Sphalerite (uncommon locality)

Item Description

A seldom-seen Sphalerite specimen from this limestone locality that is best known for its distinctive golden Calcites. This piece was mined in the 1970s, and is one of the few examples we've ever had to offer from the quarry. This large miniature / small cabinet sized piece hosts sharp, well-formed, notably striated, nearly black pseudo-octahedral crystals of Sphalerite measuring up to 1.9 cm across, sitting aesthetically on the underlying matrix. No damage that I can find, and it's quite showy. A cool Midwest Sphalerite specimen for any fan of the species, or sulfides in general.
From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired from mining, but was formerly the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s, and the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".​