Calcite on Pyrite, Sphalerite and Galena

Item Description

Mining at the famous Pb-Zn-Ag deposit at Trepca has been documented since the late Middle Ages. It has produced some great sulfide minerals as seen in this notable combination piece consisting of Pyrite, Galena and Sphalerite partially covered with Calcite. It is a hefty piece weighing in at 4.2 pounds. The aggregate of brassy golden metallic Pyrites, up to 7mm, are the main visual draw with a couple of accenting lustrous black Sphalerite crystals. The larger Sphalerite measuring 2.7 cm across.The Pyrites exhibit both modified cubic and dodecahedron habits. These are then partially covered with little button grayish white Calcites that exhibit flattened crystals showing nail-head terminations. They are less than 1 cm in size and have a strong orange long wave fluorescence. The piece is by no means pristine but it is still of sufficient high quality and condition to be a showy and appealing combination specimen. A nice representative example of the classic sulfide material from Trepca. Ex. Kurt Hefendehl Collection.