Esfalerita
Esfalerita is a mineral with formula (Zn,Fe)S, in the Sulfuros group. This specimen comes from Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee, Estados Unidos and joined the Terrium collection in 1965.
Description
Very good aggregate of highly lustrous sphalerite crystals, with amber–ruby internal translucence ("Ruby Jack"). Stepped growths of sharp faces, compact habit, set on a small carbonate matrix on the back (serving as a support).
History of this specimen
Ex S. Müller collection, with the original typewritten Jeffrey Mining Co. label. I date it to no earlier than 1963 (from the ZIP).
About Esfalerita
Sphalerite is the principal ore of zinc and one of the most studied species for its variable iron content, which modifies colour and lustre. Elmwood varieties, with amber to ruby tones and high lustre, are among the most highly regarded worldwide.
About the locality
Elmwood is a world-class classic mine for sphalerite, calcite and barite, in shared or separate parageneses. Although it reopened after more than 30 years closed due to the low profitability of zinc and worked with miners to place good collector specimens on the market, the mine closed for good on 31 December 2023. Much good material came out, but no more will.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0161
- Composition
- (Zn,Fe)S
- Name
- Esfalerita
- Group
- Sulfuros
- Category
- Cupidium
- Associations
- Calcita Dolomita
- Mine
- Elmwood Mine
- District / Municipality
- Carthage
- Province
- Smith County
- Region
- Tennessee
- Country
- Estados Unidos
- Size (cm)
- 9.5 x 7.7 x 4.8
- Weight
- 421 g
- Acquired
- 1965
- Ex-collection
- S. Müller
- Etymology
- From the Greek "sphaleros" (σφαλερός), meaning 'deceptive' or 'treacherous'. It was named for its resemblance to galena, the principal lead ore, yet it yields no lead, frustrating miners in antiquity.
- Quality
- Notable
- Value trend
- Al alza
Related specimens
- Acantita (Paramórfica tras Argentita) — Marruecos
- Analcima — Estados Unidos
- Auricalcita — Estados Unidos
- Boltwoodita — Estados Unidos
- Calcita (Ahumada) — Estados Unidos
- Calcita — Estados Unidos
- Calcita — Estados Unidos
- Calcopirita (Irisada) — Francia