Quartz with Sphalerite (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

The Patch Mine near Central City in Colorado is one of the most classic localities on the front range. Gilpin County is the site of the first discovery of Gold in Colorado, and the Patch Mine (often referred to as the Glory Hole Mine) is a still standing landmark just southwest of Central City. This piece is filled with classic, sharp, lustrous, water-clear, colorless Quartz crystals up to 1.3 cm associated with black tetrahedral Sphalerite crystals and tan Siderite on massive Quartz matrix. A little damage, but great shape overall. Colorado collectors will tell you that obtaining specimens from Gilpin County is very difficult because the vast majority of the mining took place before WWII and good quality pieces simply are not around. A nice display specimen of this beloved material. If you collect Colorado minerals, or possibly worldwide Quartz don't miss out on this one. From the collection of Brian Kosnar