Calcite & Sphalerite from Elmwood Mine, Tennessee USA
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
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.