Barite on Sphalerite, Elmwood Mine, Tennessee, USA

One of the more distinctive and peculiar mineral combinations in the mineral world are spheres of barite on sphalerite. The Elmwood Mine is a large producer of zinc, of which sphalerite is the main ore. Occasionally the mine would yield these bizarre snowball-like spheres of barite. The colour contrast between the dark amber-black sphalerite and white barite is outstanding. The sphalerite is well-crystallized and worthy of closer inspection too. Ex Mike Clark collection. From: Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Tennessee. Dimensions: 8 cm x 9 cm (the barite is 4 cm across)