88g Chinese Marmatite Specimen 3B

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This glorious material has so much going on in each piece and it was impossible for me to capture anything like their true beauty with photos. The base material is Marmatite, (also known as Christophite), which is an opaque Iron-rich variety of Sphalerite. The colour varies depending on the Iron content, in this case the colour is a golden honey colour. Marmatite is named from the German word marmatit, from the occurrence at the Marmato Mining District, Mun. de Salamina, Caldas Department, Colombia.

This piece weighs 88g and measures 6cm x 4cm x 3cm.

Sphalerite is a Zinc Iron sulphide mineral and a major ore of Zinc. Sphalerite is also known as Blende or Zinc Blende. When pure (with little or no iron) it forms clear crystals, usually red known as Ruby Blende, but as iron content increases it forms dark, opaque metallic crystals known as Marmatite.

Thess specimens are from Huxingshan Au-Pb-Zn Mine, Dongxiang District (Dongxiang has been uplated to be a district now), Fuzhou Prefecture, Jiangxi Province, China. The variety of combinations and quality of formations from this location is legendary. Specimens contain combinations of clear Quartz sometimes with Red Hematite inclusions, pure white Dolomite crystals, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Galena all on a solid base of Sphalerite var Marmite which are large translucent gold crystals, many are etched with “record keepers”.

Whilst it is not usual to find Sphalerite in association with Galena, Pyrite, and other sulfides along with Calcite, Dolomite and Fluorite, it is very unusual to find them all together with gem grade material (var Marmatite). Miners have also been known to refer to sphalerite as Zinc blende, black-jack and Ruby jack. Its complex crystals combine tetrahedral or dodecahedral forms with other faces.

Specimens of this material generally are in high demand and do not last long as many go into private collections. The specimens that are very popular among local collectors due to their outstanding presence are mainly on a very translucent golden Sphalerite var. Marmatite as base. The surface is Sphalerite with a low Fe content, fluorescence bright orangish yellow under LW(365 nm), also has great phosphorescence, with white Dolomite, gold Pyrite, silver Galena and colourless Quartz. Sometimes there will be some dark yellow Chalcopyrite with well-formed tetragonal tetrahedron. Another famous type is mainly based on Quartz with Hematite inclusion, Chalcopyrite crystals and some covered by Sphalerite are common combination, also Pyrite xls, Dolomite and Galena. This mine is still working, but producing almost no new specimens.

As the main focus of these specimens is the Marmatite, (Sphalerite) I will focus my description on that.

Sphalerite gets its name from the Greek sphaleros, meaning “deceitful,” because its lustrous dark crystals can be mistaken for other minerals. It is often coarsely crystalline or massive, or forms banded, botryoidal, or stalactitic aggregates. It occurs in hydrothermal vein deposits contact metamorphic zones, and replacement deposits formed at high temperature (1,065°F/575°C or above). It is also found in meteorites and lunar rocks.

Sphalerite is here to help ground your energies and activate your lower 3 chakras. It raises one's courage, drive, and focus levels to heights they never knew they had within. This mineral helps one truly believe in themselves, and their ability to unlock their full potential in this life. Sphalerite pushes one to realize that their dreams are within their grasps and the only way to get there is through hard work and dedication. Sphalerite is here to provide you with the vitality and energy needed to push forward. Working with this stone will provide one with an “inner reflection” of themselves, as well as aid one as they grow into the person they truly want to be.

Sphalerite infuses the body with golden light giving a feeling of lightness from within. It elevates courage, drive, and focus levels to heights you didn't know you had within. It provides you with the vitality and energy needed to push forward.\n\nThis mineral is also a very powerful manifestation tool. Its powers are similar to that of Hematite, attracting only the energy you put out. If you are very positive about what you are manifesting, and you put your heart and soul into, you will achieve it. Sphalerite is here to ground all your thoughts, desires, and ideas, and help one on the path to them. You are the creator of your own universe, and Sphalerite is here to remind you that every action you take affects your journey and future.

Sphalerite can also be a very powerful protection stone when one is looking for a metaphysical shield. When working with this stone, or simply carrying it around, one will become imbued with powerful vibrations that will dispel any negativity on you, as well as block any future unwanted energies.

Sphalerite may open up psychic abilities and allow psychic gifts to grow. It is believed to be an excellent stone for those seeking balance and energetic grounding. It is a very powerful protection stone when in need of a metaphysical shield. It supports you in manifesting your dreams into reality by increasing willpower and determination.

Emotionally, Sphalerite helps you believe in yourself, and the ability to unlock your full potential in life. It pushes you to realize that your dreams are within grasp and the only way to get there is through hard work, determination, and dedication. The crystal may help to uncover deceit or treachery. It increases stamina, passion, and overall energy.