Galena & Sphalerite on Chert (old classic)

Item Description

A striking, 4.1 x 3.9 x 3.8 cm, splendent battle-ship gray, modified compound galena cube is dramatically set atop this outstanding classic old-time large combination from the historic Tri-State District. The sculptural classic chert matrix wedge is festooned with two generations of twinned sphalerite crystals. The larger lustrous crystals are jet-black with the smaller beautiful gemmy crystals having classic rubyjack orange-red color. Complete all-around and nearly pristine, with only modest corner and edge bruising to the galena cube and a dinged small galena on one side. Mining began in 1849 and the last mine closed in 1970. See the excellent Tri-State District article in the 2017 Mineralogical Record, Vol. 48, No. 2. An impressive, sculptural and aesthetic large old-time 360-degree combination from this famous locale. For the size, this is one of the better examples that meets modern criteria. Most were too big, and too damaged. This is just right! valued $1000-1250. From a private collection, old material (erroneously, we first posted this as from Reynolds collection but it just got mixed in...apologies)