Sphalerite (China)
Regular price $500.00WITH QUARTZ
Shuikoushan Mine
Changning Co., Hengyang Prefecture
Hunan Province, China
3.5 x 2 x .75 Inches
8.5 x 5 x 2.25 Centimeters
Cabinet
Two very gemmy sphalerite crystals rest on a matrix of druzy quartz creating a great visual contrast between the different minerals. Portions of the quartz matrix have hematite inclusions and the sphalerite has a beautiful glow. The Shuikoushan mine is known for producing some of the finest sphalerite crystals known and this specimen is a great addition to any collection.
Sphalerite is a common mineral, and occurs in many distinct colors and forms. Iron impurities are often present in this mineral, and for this reason it is not commonly transparent. If Sphalerite contains a large amount of iron impurities, it will have a metallic dark gray or black color, which is typical of most sulfide minerals. Sphalerite is one of the few minerals that can range from gemmy transparent crystals to dark, metallic-black crystals. Credit Minerals.net
The appearance and properties of sphalerite are variable. It occurs in a variety of colors, and its luster ranges from nonmetallic to submetallic and resinous to adamantine. Occasionally it will be transparent with a vitreous luster.
Because sphalerite often forms in veins and cavities, excellent crystals are relatively common. Sphalerite is a member of the isometric crystal system, and cubes, octahedrons, tetrahedrons, and dodecahedrons are all encountered. Credit: Geology.com
We guarantee the mineral specimen you purchase will be the exact item you receive. It is important to us that you enjoy your mineral specimen as much as we enjoyed sourcing it for you. We use professional photography and video to show you every inch of the specimen using optimal lighting/setup conditions. If you want to view a specimen from a certain angle or lighting source we are happy to provide more images/videos at your request.
Minerals over $1,000 include a certificate of authenticity from Invenio Fine Minerals. We only issue a certificate of authenticity for minerals we sell.
Measurement Descriptions:
Thumbnail: 0.2 to 3 Centimeters / .0625 - 1.118 Inches
Miniature: 3+ to 5 Centimeters / 1.125 - 1.96 Inches
Cabinet: 5+ to 9.5 Centimeters / 2.0 - 3.7 Inches
Large Cabinet: Greater than 10 Centimeters / Greater than 4 Inches
Minerals pictured attached to an acrylic base will be delivered attached to the base. We can unmount the specimen for you if you prefer.
We offer basic and custom mineral mounting services, contact us for more info.
PURCHASING:
We use Shopify for our online checkout system, Invenio Fine Minerals does not store your personal or banking information outside of the Shopify system. All of our transactions are secure through the Shopify system, if you have any questions please contact us.
We offer a 14 day return period on mineral specimens - Specimens must be returned in the original packaging and arrive back to us damage free - Customer pays return shipping - No exceptions!
There are no returns for printed artwork.
SHIPPING:
We use premium packaging materials to protect mineral specimens, every order is carefully packaged and thoughtfully protected.
Shipping in the United States:
Free shipping in the United States on mineral specimens.
Tracking is included on every purchase
Insurance is optional over $100, please read below
Worldwide Shipping:
$55 flat for all international orders*
*Certain restrictions and additional charges may apply depending on buyers location*
We only ship orders to the UK and EU with a value over $200 USD
We ship international with USPS Priority Mail - Tracking is included.
Invenio Fine Minerals does not charge VAT or import fees on international orders
Buyer is responsible for all import taxes and fees.
Insurance is not included on international orders.
US Shipping Insurance:
Insurance is not included on all mineral specimen orders. We insure packages on a case-by-case basis, if you would like to insure your package please contact us.
Damage or Loss:
If your mineral specimen is damaged or lost during shipment we will work with you to compensate you for the issue.
Insurance is included on artwork orders up to $100 - Additional insurance can be purchased for orders over $100. If your print is damaged during shipment we must be notified within 24 hours - Please include pictures of the damaged packaging. We are not responsible for artwork damaged during the unpacking process - Please use great caution when handling your artwork!
If your mineral specimen package arrives damaged please keep ALL of the original packaging as it may be required by the shipping service for an insurance review. Contact us immediately with any issues.
Please unpack your mineral/s with care, we are not responsible for damage during unpacking.
