BMM03 Galena with Sphalerite
Picher Field, Tri-state District, Oklahoma, United States (pre-1967)
18.5x 10.5x 10.0 cm
$0

A large cabinet specimen, hosting a number of sharp galena cubes on a chert marix, covered with tousands of small "ruby jack" sphalerite crystals that impart a welcome contrast.

These are not to be confused with the contemporary Viburnum Trend, Missouri specimens.  Although part of Missouri was included in the Tristate district, those workings were on the western side of the state.  The more recent production comes from the eastern side.  Personally, I like these old examples better-- although the lusters are usually duller, they tend to have a sharper, more geometric appearance than the Viburnum specimens, with their messy compound faces. The chert matrix is also somewhat cleaner in appearance than the breccia (?) that is found with the Viburnum examples.

Operated since the 1850's, the last mine in the district closed in 1967. Like other towns in the district, the nearby town of Picher was deserted, a victim of the toxic mine tailing dunes that earned it a place on the list of Superfund sites.











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