Sphalerite

This specimen showcases sharp, red-brown sphalerite crystals with reticulated silver flashes. The specimen is a striking example of the ore once mined from the historic Pine Point locality, with minimal bruising, preserving its aesthetic quality.

The Pine Point Mine, located on the southern shore of Great Slave Lake in Canada's Northwest Territories, was discovered in the late 19th century. Initially noted by fur traders who learned of the lead ores from the First Nations, the area saw a minor staking rush in 1898, followed by more serious exploration between 1928 and 1930, halted by the Great Depression. After World War II, Cominco’s geological investigations led to significant discoveries, and by 1955, several thousand tons of ore were outlined. Production began in 1965, with lead and zinc ores extracted primarily through open-pit mining until the mine’s closure in 1988. The town of Pine Point, built to support the mine, grew to nearly 2,000 residents before being abandoned. The site was acquired by Osisko Metals in 2017, and a joint venture with Appian Natural Resources in 2023 marked the beginning of renewed exploration efforts.