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Sphalerite Chalcopyrite & Quartz

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MGR774709

Sphalerite Chalcopyrite & Quartz

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Casapalca Mine, Huarochiri Province, Lima Department, Peru
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small cabinet (7-10 cm)
Size: 
9.9 × 7.2 × 2.8 cm
Description

This is „just“ black Sphalerite, but it is so aesthetic and the quality is just perfect - and so I cannot resist to offer it to you. The Sphalerite crystals are all razor sharp terminated and the the luster is simply incredible! Each faces is like a mirror! The are resting on water-clear, thin and sparkling quartz needles. The largest crystal is up to 24mm across. The contrast is fantastic and the crystals are all isolated, like a chain of yet-black pearls on fresh fallen snow. And if you look carefully you will see some intense and iridescent golden spots inter-grown to some faces of the Sphalerite; these are micro-crystals of Chalkopyrite. This is just the cherry on the cake! Overall such an eye-catching piece in really finest quality.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Sphalerite

Formula: 
ZnS
Strunz: 
2.CB.05a
Crystal System: 
Isometric
Hardness: 
3.5 - 4.0

Chalcopyrite

Formula: 
CuFeS2
Strunz: 
2.CB.10a
Crystal System: 
Tetragonal
Hardness: 
3.5 - 4.0

Quartz

Formula: 
SiO2
Strunz: 
4.DA.05
Crystal System: 
Trigonal
Hardness: 
7.0
Streak: 
White