Sphalerite (old Arizona classic) (ex Bob Reynolds Collection)

Item Description

A classic and desirable specimen of the well-known Sphalerites from the famous Iron Cap Mine in Arizona. One of the most iconic covers of the Mineralogical Record (Vol. 19, No. 2 March - April 1988) featured an outstanding Sphalerite specimen from this mine. This piece is not as gemmy as the cover specimen, but it does show excellent crystallization with excellent, defined, sharp, euhedral crystal faces and superb overall form. The largest crystal measures 2.2 cm across. While the crystals might appear black on the surface, you can see that some of them have an eye-catching dark honey-gold interior hue when backlit. The front / display side of the specimen is in superb condition, but the piece is contacted on the sides and back where it was removed from the pocket wall. Interestingly, the back of the piece features massive Sphalerite of a gorgeous gemmy green hue, but it's not crystallized. A great piece for any fan of Arizona minerals, worldwide sulfides or Sphalerite in general. Valued at $1,000 in the inventory. From the collection of Robert (Bob) Reynolds. Bob was a well-known fossil and mineral expert and former Curator of Earth Sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum in California. The rare phyllomanganate-chromate species Reynoldsite was named in his honor in 2011.