Sphalerite

This fine sphalerite specimen comes from the famous Denton Mine in Southern Illinois, a locality best known for its superb fluorite specimens, though well-crystallized sphalerite such as this one is considerably more rare. The piece features sharp, highly lustrous, dark reddish-brown ("Ruby Jack") sphalerite crystals, almost covering the matrix. A small piece of purple fluorite can be seen at the base. These impressive sphalerite specimens are increasingly rare on the market since the Denton Mine, a barite-fluorspar-lead-zinc-silver operation in the Harris Creek District, ceased operations in 1993. Fine specimens were primarily recovered from the Rosiclare, Sub-Rosiclare, and Bethel Levels, especially during the mine’s final productive years in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal