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 2002.
Description
Large sphalerite crystals, cognac-coloured with reddish internal reflections, on a white calcite–dolomite matrix. Lustrous, stepped faces with visible striations.
About Esfalerita
Sphalerite is the principal zinc ore mineral and can show very dark colours when it contains iron. It commonly occurs with calcite and dolomite in hydrothermal sulphide deposits.
About the locality
Elmwood Mine in Tennessee is a classic global locality for carbonate-hosted sulphides, noted for its sphalerite, calcite and baryte. During its historic period many specimens were distributed directly by miners, but Nyrstar's reopening in 2010 changed that dynamic—it prohibited the extraction of collector specimens. The mine closed permanently on 31 December 2023.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0327
- 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
- Acquired
- 2002
- Ex-collection
- Aleidis Soliveres
- Etymology
- From the Greek "sphaleros" (σφαλερός), meaning 'deceptive' or 'treacherous'. It was named for its resemblance to galena, the principal lead ore, though lead could not be obtained from it, to the frustration of ancient miners.
- 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