CLASSIC TRI-STATE SPHALERITE W/ DOLOMITE--SUPERB LG (06/27/2009)...

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CLASSIC TRI-STATE SPHALERITE W/ DOLOMITE--SUPERB LG XL!

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CLASSIC TRI-STATE SPHALERITE W/ DOLOMITE--SUPERB LG XL!

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Sold Date: 06/27/2009
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Advertising

I'm pleased to offer this choice old-timer from the world famous Tri-State district; namely a Sphalerite with Dolomite on chert. The specimen measures approximately 4 x 2 x 2 inches and is a complete floater. This can be seen by the presence of crystallized sphalerite and dolomite on the sides of the specimen. The specimen is in excellent condition, though t are some damaged lesser crystals. The main crystal group measures 1-3/4 x 1 x 1-1/4 inches.

This piece is from the well-known collection of Martin Zinn (#8181) and comes with his former label and one from Kristalle/Crystal Classics. Martin Zinn is a well-known collector and mineral show promoter. He has exhibited widely and many of his specimens have been pictured in the mineral magazines.

The Tri-State district of the USA represents the famous mining areas around the junction of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. This was one of the greatest mining districts known and produced incredible amounts of lead and zinc. The mineral specimens were found in huge numbers and can be seen in collections all over the world. The host matrix for most Tri-State pieces is this hard, flinty chert. Collectors would find collapsed pockets within the shallow mines and could pull out loose plates and angular pieces of this chert covered with fine crystals of calcite, dolomite, galena, marcasite and sphalerite. Other minerals were also found but these represent the most common species in area mines.

The earliest mining took place in extreme SW Missouri near Joplin and concentrated on the shallow lead deposits. With the introduction of galvanization, zinc became a hot commodity and mines in Kansas and Oklahoma largely produced zinc along with important amounts of lead. The last mines closed around 1970 and all are now flooded.

This is a very fine specimen and displays well from the back and front. The large sphalerite crystal grouping dominates the specimen and sits well on the matrix. T are smaller crystals of pale pink dolomite and lustrous deep red sphalerite crystals.

Sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc and is a zinc sulfide mineral. Fabulous specimens are well-known from many localities worldwide. I've always been a huge fan of Tri-State specimens as they were still widely available when I first began collecting. This is a wonderful piece in excellent condition and the previous labels add a bit of pedigree and distinction.

I will offer FREE SHIPPING on this specimen within the US and Canada---all others please pay a flat $6.00 fee and I'll cover the rest!

Please check my feedback and my other auction items...thanks! All specimens are carefully wrapped, come with complete and accurate labels and are quickly shipped. As always, your complete satisfaction is unconditionally guaranteed. Quality specimens. Fast shipping and careful packaging. Reasonable shipping rates. A no-hassle money back guarantee with FREE return shipping on any specimen that fails to satisfy for ANY reason. Peace of mind. Buy with confidence---thanks for looking!