Sphalerite with Quartz

This fine cabinet specimen of Sphalerite with Quartz was collected by Sir Arthur Russell from the Northumberland Section of Nentsberry Haggs mine at Nenthead in Cumbria, England and is accompanied by one of his handwritten labels. Usually the date of collection is noted, but it appears he forgot to complete this with only “19” part having been written. Covering a matrix of black Quartz, masses of black Sphalerite crystals to around 1 cm across and larger cover the display surface together with frostings of micro-crystallised Quartz and larger, stubby and quite gemmy colourless Quartz crystals at the thicker end. The Sphalerite crystals display well, having a bright metallic lustre and contrasting nicely, set against the Quartz.