Cleiophane & Green Sphalerite – Madan, Bulgaria | Ref. 33

About this specimen

This fine cleiophane specimen from Madan is distinguished by its slender form and dense crystallisation, composed of olive-green to greenish-brown crystals. Their lustrous faces catch the light and emphasise the relief of the main surface.

Small crystals of galena, identifiable by their metallic grey lustre, are distributed between the cleiophane and the areas of white matrix. The main face displays most of the greenish crystallisation, while the reverse reveals more of the white matrix dotted with galena.

Provenance

Cleiophane is a light-coloured variety of sphalerite, also known as zinc blende, characterised by a low iron content and capable of displaying yellow, greenish or light brown tones.

This specimen comes from the Madan mining district in Bulgaria, where sphalerite and galena are among the characteristic minerals of the lead and zinc deposits. It was collected in 1995.

Dimensions and presentation

The specimen measures 32 mm in width and 55 mm in height. Its weight, including the base, is 55 g.

It is presented on an acrylic base, which supports its upright presentation.