Small Museum-Quality Olkusz Schalenblende: Polished Sphalerite, Galena, Marcasite Ore Specimen

Olkusz Schalenblende Masterpiece: Polished Banded Sphalerite, Galena & Marcasite Slice

Size:  28 gram

Weight: 46mm x 50mm x 4.5mm

Origin:  Olkusz Mine, Southern Poland

This exquisite polished slice of "Schalenblende" from Poland's renowned Olkusz Mine is a visual marvel. It displays captivating concentric banding in shades of creamy yellow to rich brown, characteristic of sphalerite and wurtzite, beautifully accented by lustrous silvery galena and darker, often iridescent, marcasite. The front surface has been meticulously polished to a high shine, revealing its intricate patterns, while the reverse retains its natural, raw mineral texture.   

"Schalenblende," a German term meaning "shell ore," refers to a distinctive, compact, and fine-grained aggregate of sulfide minerals, primarily composed of sphalerite (often with its hexagonal polymorph, wurtzite), marcasite, and galena. It is celebrated for its prominent concentric layering and reniform (kidney-shaped) surfaces.   

This remarkable formation is believed to result from the relatively rapid, low-temperature crystallization of a sulfide gel or colloidal dispersion. The rhythmic banding reflects episodic precipitation, with marcasite typically forming the outermost layers and galena often appearing to have infiltrated later, cutting across existing bands. 

While its constituent minerals are common, Olkusz Schalenblende is considered a very rare and highly prized occurrence globally, celebrated for its top quality and unique concentric shapes. It offers valuable insights into Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) ore genesis and can even be fluorescent under UV light.   

Elevate your collection with this museum-quality Olkusz Schalenblende slice – a true geological masterpiece!

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