3.9" Sphalerite, Dolomite and Galena Association - Canada

Sphalerite, Dolomite and Galena Association - Canada #64512

This specimen contains galena, dolomite and sphalerite crystals, and was collected from the Pine Point Mine in Canada. The majority of the matrix is encrusted in white dolomite, with galena and sphalerite crystals sporadically protruding from the matrix. One calcite crystal can be found sitting atop the dolomite on one end of the specimen.

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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