Galena and Sphalerite on Calcite

Four common minerals combining into an unusual specimen. I have handled a lot of material from the fluorspar district of Illinois, but a miniature as beautifully composed as this is a wonder. The calcite is doubly terminated with one end having a small “swallowtail” and the ruby jack is perfectly distributed with choice translucency and color. Two modified bright galena cubes to .6cm center one side while tiny galens are scattered amongst the sphalerites along with chalcopyrites. Possibly an attachment point at one end but I believe it detached and became a floater prior to discovery. Close loupe work reveals some small bit of damage to the swallowtails, but it is not obvious with the eye.

Locality: Denton Mine, Harris Creek District, Hardin County Illinois

Composition: multiple minerals