Sphalerite on Quartz - Taolin Mine, China - main crystal size: 1 × 1 cm
Mineral: Sphalerite on Quartz
Locality: Taolin Mine, Linxiang, Yueyang Prefecture, Hunan Province, China
Dimensions: main crystal size: 1 × 1 cm

Description: Some sphalerites from China closely resemble the Spanish ones from Áliva, and although it is often said that their transparency and luster are inferior, some pieces have a quality comparable to or even superior to the Spanish ones. This is the case with this piece, which also stands out for its contrast with the white Quartz matrix. The specimen has been published in the book 'China', by Berthold Ottens, on page 362