Sphalerite, Galena, Pyrite

The Mogul Mine, near the village of Silvermines in County Tipperary, is one of Ireland’s most famous and prolific mineral localities. Discovered in 1969, a remarkable zone within the mine produced hundreds of outstanding sphalerite crystals, known for their fiery amber colour. Mining operations continued into the 1980s, but by the time the mine closed and flooded in 1982, the crystallized zones were long exhausted.

While the Mogul Mine is renowned for its world-class galena and sphalerite specimens, very few were preserved, as most material was crushed for ore processing. However, in the late 1970s, collector Richard Barstow played a crucial role in acquiring and saving countless museum-quality galena and sphalerite specimens directly from miners. This specimen, a decent example from this legendary locality. Today, with the mine long closed and its treasures largely lost to history, such specimens are exceptionally rare and highly sought after.