Mineral Specimen - E-125
Sphalerite on Dolostone - Cumberland Mine, Elmwood District, Smith Co., Tennessee
16 x 9 x 3 cm (6.3 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches) - $70
A dolostone plate is host to both small, gemmy ruby jack sphalerites and larger clusters of sphalerite. A classic specimen type from this mine - the photographs just do not give the specimen as much justice as they could - the color of the smaller ruby jack sphalerites is much more intense red than shown here. Anyone who has handled or seen this type of specimen should be familiar with how the specimen really looks in person. Contacting to sphalerite is especially prevalent on the back side, but the specimen would not be displayed so the back is seen but we include it here anyway to give an entire view from both sides. A few rubs or slight cleaved edges to a few crystals on the front but nothing that hurts the value or presentation. Excellent large cabinet piece from this mine. Originally purchased from a collection of specimens carefully wrapped in a large shoebox many years ago, all from the Cumberland Mine, and just recently unpacked from the original purchase date for sale.