Detailed information
Species
Galena, Sphalerite, var. Schalenblende
Dimensions
53 x 85 x 45
mm
Weight
298 g
Locality
Wiesloch Baden-Württemberg Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
This small cabinet specimen is a rather nice example of the compact banded variety of Sphalerite known as Schalenblende, but unlike many specimens of this variety it is not cut and polished, but in its natural state and encrusted with a wonderful arrangement of well-formed bright metallic Galena crystals. Furthermore, it is from an area where specimens are rarely seen available - this one coming from the superb systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) who lived not far from this mining district. The banding within the Schalenblende is very distinct, with creamy gold and dark brown layers and an orange-brown velvety botryoidal surface. There is one noticeable mark on the surface, but it appears to be where one of the Galena crystals has fallen off, rather than direct bruising.