Sphalerite on Calcite and Anhydrite   Level 3,990, Ruby Ridge, Empire State Mine, Balmat, St. Lawrence County, New York.  Collected late April 2023.  This is an example of the amazing sphalerites first shown at the Dallas show in May of this year.  They are similar in luster to the new material found last year but lack the red cores and are a much brighter yellow color.  I don’t believe I am reaching when I say that these sphalerite crystals are among the finest known.  The combination of vibrant color, excellent transparency, and unusually high luster allow them to stand up well when compared to the finest from anywhere sphalerite is known.
This is a vug that measures 10.5 x 8 x 6.5 cm showing a grouping of small, gemmy sphalerite crystals that average about .7 cm each near the top of the piece.  A few more reside deeper in the opening.  The sphalerites rest on well-formed, transparent to white calcite and anhydrite crystals.  The piece sits upright, as shown, and displays nicely.  This is a very limited find and the demand will far exceed the small quantity that has been recovered.  $2,400