Sphalerite on Calcite, Las Manforas Mine, Alvia, Spain

If you think all sulphides are dull and boring then you probably have not see a sphalerite (zinc sulphide) from the Las Manforas Mine in Spain. This is easily Europe's best locality for top-quality sphalerite, some of which are gemmy enough to be faceted into gemstones of impressive colour saturation and size. Our specimen shows several complex sphalerite crystals on calcite. My photos are not doing this piece justice as the colour is very nice, reminiscent of strawberry jam when backlit! While not facetable, these crystals are certainly translucent and of large size (up to 3.5cm); very showy indeed! The crystals were exposed from their calcite host rock by etching with acid (a common practice) and there is no damage to any of the faces. Ex Brenton Mah collection. From Las Manforas Mine (Alivia Mine), Camaleno, Cantabria, Spain. . Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 6 cm x 9.5 cm