Detailed information
Species
Sphalerite, Quartz, Pyrite
Dimensions
70 x 75 x 34
mm
Weight
204 g
Locality
Wheal Jane Baldhu, Kea Cornwall, England
Condition
No recorded repairs
This small cabinet specimen has exceptionally well-formed Sphalerite crystals, not just for Cornwall, but the UK in general. The crystals, which reach 1.4 cm across, are very dark grey/brown, almost black, and have a fine resinous to submetallic lustre. They form almost pyramidal crystals with sharp edges and under magnification can be seen to have detailed stepped triangular faces. They richly coat the display surface with small prismatic milky Quartz crystals and occasional Pyrite crystals. The matrix is a sinter-like Quartz disseminated with fine-grained Pyrite. Wheal Jane produced many Sphalerite specimens, but very few are of a significant quality like this one. There is some minor damage in places, but on balance it displays extremely well and is a really fine British Sphalerite.