Green sphalerite (cleophane) – 9 Septembre mine, Madan | Ref. 251

Specimen overview

This green sphalerite, a variety known as cleophane, occurs on an upright matrix covered with numerous small white crystals. The greenish-brown to smoky-brown cleophane crystals are mainly concentrated in the upper part of the specimen, with a few more isolated crystals distributed across the matrix.

The most developed crystals display well-defined forms and lustrous faces.

The specimen’s narrow, upright shape and the concentration of cleophane crystals in its upper section are its main visual characteristics.

Provenance

This cleophane comes from the 9 Septembre mine in Madan, Bulgaria. The specimen was collected in the 1990s.

Dimensions and presentation

The mineral measures 35 mm in width and 77 mm in height.

Weight: 78 g including the stand.

The specimen is displayed upright on a acrylic stand.