$85.00
A 2.5-inch polished schalenblende specimen from Silesia, Poland, featuring layered sphalerite, wurtzite, and galena with warm metallic bands and natural ore textures.
In stock
This 2.5-inch schalenblende specimen is polished to reveal the dramatic banding of its zinc-rich mineral layers — a natural formation that includes sphalerite, wurtzite, marcasite, and galena arranged in curved, shell-like patterns. The surface displays warm tones of honey yellow, bronze, charcoal, and silver, each representing a different mineral phase formed over long geological cycles.
The polish enhances both the metallic luster and the subtle translucence seen in sphalerite-rich zones, bringing out textures that are otherwise hidden in raw ore.
Schalenblende is a distinctive layered zinc ore found in several historic mining regions of Europe, with Silesia, Poland producing some of the world’s finest material. The name derives from the German Schale (“shell”) due to its shell-like, concentric banding created as mineralizing fluids deposited successive layers within ancient fractures and cavities.
Silesia’s deposits are tied to Mississippi Valley–type (MVT) ore systems, where zinc- and lead-bearing fluids moved through limestone and dolomite, crystallizing as sphalerite, wurtzite, and galena. Subtle changes in temperature, chemistry, and pressure created the alternating colors and textures that define schalenblende.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Type | Zinc–Lead Sulfide Ore (Sphalerite, Wurtzite, Galena, Marcasite) |
| Chemical Formula | (Zn,Fe)S ± PbS ± FeS₂ |
| Crystal System | Variable (Cubic/Hexagonal aggregates) |
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 – 4 |
| Locality / Deposit Type | Silesia, Poland – MVT Zinc–Lead Ore Field |
Silesia has been a major European zinc-lead mining region since the Middle Ages. Schalenblende from these mines became prized by mineral collectors in the 19th and 20th centuries for its unusual layered appearance and complex mineralogy.
Artisans began polishing the material to emphasize its warm metallic bands — transforming what was once an industrial ore into a striking geological display piece valued for its scientific and aesthetic qualities.
While primarily appreciated for its geological complexity, schalenblende is also symbolically associated with:
Transformation, reflected in its layered mineral evolution
Grounded strength, represented by its metallic density
Cycles and structure, echoed in its shell-like bands
These interpretations stem from its visible formation history — a natural record of mineral deposition over time.
This specimen shows prominent banding, alternating between bright golden-yellow wurtzite layers, darker sphalerite-rich bands, and metallic galena or marcasite streaks.
At 2.5 inches, it offers excellent visibility of internal layering without being oversized. The polish enhances color and contrast, making it a compelling display piece for mineral enthusiasts, geology students, or collectors of European ore minerals.
Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water soaking, acids, or harsh cleaners, as sulfide minerals can be sensitive to moisture and chemicals. Store in a dry environment away from humidity.
| Weight | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.5 × .25 × 1.50 in |
