Olkusz Schalenblende Display Piece: Beautifully Banded Sphalerite, Galena & Marcasite from Southern Poland

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

Size:  103 gram

Weight: 99mm x 70mm x 7mm

Origin:  Olkusz Mine, Southern Poland

This exquisite polished slice of "Schalenblende" from Poland's renowned Olkusz Mine is a captivating display piece. It showcases intricate concentric banding in shades of creamy yellow to rich brown, characteristic of sphalerite and wurtzite, beautifully contrasted by lustrous silvery galena and darker marcasite. The front surface has been meticulously polished to a high shine, revealing its complex internal structures, 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. It is primarily composed of sphalerite (often with its hexagonal polymorph, wurtzite), marcasite, and galena, characterized by its prominent concentric layering and reniform (kidney-shaped) surfaces.  

This remarkable formation is believed to have originated from the relatively rapid, low-temperature crystallization of a sulfide gel or colloidal dispersion, often referred to as "ore mud." The rhythmic banding reflects episodic precipitation, with marcasite typically forming the outermost layers and galena often appearing to have infiltrated later, cutting across and cementing previously deposited 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, adding to its collector appeal.  

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

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