Calcite & Sphalerite | Aussie Mineral Hub
World Minerals

Calcite & Sphalerite

Calcite & Sphalerite from Elmwood Mine, Tennessee USA

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    Fantastic old specimen of Calcite & Sphalerite. This specimen is believed to be mined by Ryan Smith in the 1960s at the Elmwood Mine, Carthage Tennessee, USA. As the mine is now closed, this combination and quality are becoming harder to obtain these days, so I am glad it is now in the collection.

    I acquired this specimen from Tony at Mineral Store at the August 2016 Sydney Crystal Show.

    Specimen Details

    Chemical Formula: CaCO3 – (Zn,Fe)S

    Collection ID #: JG0013

    Colour: Clear to yellow calcite with small inclusions of black, dark brown sphalerite

    Hardness: 3 – 4

    Acquisition Date: 6th August 2016

    Crystal System: Calcite – Hexagonal, Sphalerite – Isometric

    Lustre: Vitreous, Metallic, sub-metallic, adamantine, resinous

    Dimensions: 80mm x 68mm x 78mm

    Weight: 267g

    Locale: Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Tennessee USA

    Rarity of Mineral

    Common

    Did you know!?
    If Sphalerite contains a large amount of iron impurities, it will have a metallic dark gray or black colour, which is common of most sulfide minerals.