The Sterling Mine is co-type locality for zincite. Apart from its neighbor, the Franklin Mine, natural zincite crystals are essentially non-existent from anywhere else. They are not at all common here.

This specimen features several small, but unusual, steeply pyramidal “dunce cap” crystals. There are also a few sharply formed crystals of hetaerolite. You will need 15-30X to view these crystals.

The first pair of photos (FOV 2.2 x 3.6 mm) shows a well-formed zincite pyramid 1.7 mm tall with a couple of others behind it.

The third photo (FOV 2.9 x 2.0 mm) shows another group of zincite pyramids, surrounded by tiny, shiny black,  hetaerolite crystals. The tallest zincite is about 1.7 mm. It appears to be partly hollow and to have a peculiar lath like “construction”. The color is also unusually pale. There are several other vugs with similar crystals.

The fourth photo (FOV 2.5 x 2.1 mm) shows a small group of hetaerolite crystals to 0.4 mm on edge. There are a few other hetaerolite crystals on the specimen, but the coverage is sparse.

The first full-view photo shows the “front” of the specimen which is encrusted by some corroded carbonate. The arrow on the left points to the crystals shown in the first pair of photos. The other arrow points to another example of crystals similar to those in the third photo.

In the second full-view photo, the arrow on the right points to the zincite crystals shown in the third photo. The other arrow points to the hetaerolite crystals shown in the fourth photo.

Single item shipping (no case) weight is 3.0 oz. Note that USPS foreign packet rates recently increased significantly. It may be advantageous for foreign customers to hold an "open box" so as to reduce postage costs by combining items from a future auction. Let me know, and I will generate a new “item only” invoice. Postage will be invoiced when all items are actually shipped.

Outside the USA, the stated postage and packing rate applies up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g).

Within the USA, there is a nominal increase of $0.20 for each additional ounce. Above 13 oz, I will use Priority Mail. Up to 16 oz, the “own box” Priority rate is $8.50 (including packing).

Please see my "Shipping Policy" for details.