Calcite with Sphalerite

specimen number:
8911203

location:
Gordonsville Mine, Smith Co., Tennessee, USA

description:
A gem quality scalenohedral twinned glassy crystal of calcite double terminated in measuring 3.0 cm in length set aesthetically up on a matrix of black lustrous crystallized sphalerite. This is in very good condition; there is a tiny micro-cleave on the back of the top calcite termination only. Classic for the locality. The specimen comes with a previous label from the Alton collection.

The Gordonsville Mine, located in Smith County, Tennessee, lies within the Central Tennessee Mississippi Valley-Type ore district, where mineralizing fluids migrated through fractured and brecciated Ordovician limestone to deposit rich ore bodies. Commercial mining in the district began in the mid-20th century, with the Gordonsville facility operating primarily as a underground zinc extraction site. Beyond its industrial importance, the mine achieved legendary status among mineral collectors for producing some of the world's finest gem-quality fluorite, lustrous dark brown sphalerite, sharp calcite twins, and brilliant barite crystals, making specimens from this underground working highly prized in collections worldwide.

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