2.9" Sphalerite, Calcite and Galena - Pine Point Mine, Canada

Sphalerite, Calcite and Galena - Pine Point Mine, Canada #64515

This specimen contains galena, calcite and sphalerite crystals, and was collected from the Pine Point Mine in Canada. The sphalerite formed as both a druze, and small individual crystals, depending on location on the specimen. Galena and calcite can be found coating, and partially encrusted by the sphalerite.

Sphalerite is a part of the sulfide group and typically exhibits a grey/black appearance due to high concentrations of impurities. In its purest state, sphalerite's chemical composition is ZnS, and can display a gemmy transparent light tan/yellow color. This is one of the few minerals that can form crystals ranging anywhere between gemmy and transparent to opaque and metallic-like. Opaque or cloudy sphalerite tends to be most abundant since iron easily replaces zinc in the process of formation.

Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.

While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.

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