Gemmy Red Sphalerite on Quartz: Shuikoushan, Hunan, China rhodo

Gemmy Red Sphalerite on Quartz: Shuikoushan, Hunan, China rhodoIntensely gemmy, red sphalerite on a sugary quartz plate (on matrix) from a 2020 find at the Shuikoushan Ore Field, Changning Co., Hengyang, Hunan, China. There are 4 main sphalerite clusters with well formed, twinned, and terminated crystals. The largest sphalerite crystal is 10mm across one face. The quartz overlaying the matrix is like a sunset; with tones ranging from purpley red (quartz over sphalerite) to orange (iron staining). Its a very

White-blue UV reaction in the lines

In some areas the shell was removed and you can see squiggles- those are the suture lines

These pretty towers combine both the beauty of golden healer quartz (iron oxide inclusion) and dendrites

This one has a small grey beauty spot

The lines represent the structural walls (septa) that divided the  growing creature’s shell into individual chambers

so do not try to clean it

75” thick (7

Oval goldstone set into 925 sterling silver with decorated band

Measures 3” x 2”

Self-standing on the matrix

Dendrites are associated with growth

Gilgit-Baltistan