Calcite, Sphalerite, Pyrite: Balya mine, Balikesir Province, Turkey

Description

Species: Calcite var. Manganoan, Sphalerite, Pyrite

Locality: Balya mine, Balya District, Balikesir Province, Turkey

Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 12 cm.

The Balya mine is a recently re-opened underground lead-zinc-silver mine in a historic mining district in northwest Turkey. Fine mineral specimens are rarely seen from the country of Turkey and this is a beautiful and BIG, aesthetic group of spiky pale pink manganoan calcite crystals with lustrous black sphalerite crystals and pyrite crystals from a 2020 discovery. An impressive and large specimen from an exciting new find, in good condition as seen. The lustrous sphalerite and pyrite crystals are “nested” in spiky calcite crystals in a very aesthetic way. Beautiful! Mark Cross photos.