Saphalerite

This sphalerite formed within hydrothermal veins, where zinc- and iron-rich fluids crystallized under moderate temperatures to produce sharp, often lustrous crystals. The Panasqueira Mines are a world-renowned locality, celebrated for their well-formed sphalerite along with a diverse suite of associated minerals.

Rich in color and reflective luster, this specimen reflects the precise hydrothermal conditions that allowed these crystals to grow, capturing a moment of geological formation from one of Europe’s classic mining districts.