Ruby Zinc Sphalerite & Calcite

This specimen of the variety of sphalerite called "ruby zinc" by the miners was collected in the 1940's. It hosts several small scalenohedrons of calcite that has been corroded to give them a "frosted"appearance. The largest calcite is 2 cm long and double terminated as are the other three smaller ones. This comes from the Picher Field of the Tri-State Lead/Zinc District, Picher, Oklahoma. Of course, the mines have been closed for years and this type material is no longer available except from old collections. The overall size of this piece is 10.5 cm by 6.5 cm by 3 cm thick. Weight is 228.7 grams. A real "collectors" item.