Calcite with Galena from the Sweetwater Mine, Missouri – Crystal Specimen from the USA

This Calcite and Galena specimen from the Sweetwater Mine in Reynolds County, Missouri, USA shows numerous white to colorless Calcite crystals associated with dark lead-gray Galena. The light-colored Calcite covers large parts of the specimen and forms a three-dimensional crystal group from which several Galena areas clearly emerge.

A larger Galena crystal in the upper part of the specimen is particularly noticeable. On the front side, its surface shows a rather dull luster, while Galena areas on the reverse display a distinctly stronger metallic luster. This makes it possible to observe different surface appearances of Galena within the same specimen.

With dimensions of 7.0 × 6.7 × 3.0 cm and a weight of 203 g, this is a Cabinet specimen.

White Calcite crystals with lead-gray Galena

The front side is dominated by numerous white to partly translucent Calcite crystals. Their different sizes and orientations give the specimen a clearly three-dimensional structure.

Several dark gray Galena areas occur between the Calcite crystals. The larger crystal in the upper section shows clearly defined faces and a rather dull luster on the front. On the reverse, additional Galena crystals and crystal areas are visible and show a distinctly more metallic luster.

This difference in luster can be clearly observed on the specimen and adds to the strong visual contrast between the light-colored Calcite and dark Galena.

Calcite and Galena from the Sweetwater Mine in Missouri

The Sweetwater Mine near Ellington in Reynolds County, Missouri belongs to the Southeast Missouri Lead District. The deposits of this region are particularly known for lead mineralization with Galena and associated carbonate minerals.

This specimen illustrates the association of Galena and Calcite particularly well: dark Galena crystals and crystal areas are directly intergrown with an extensive light-colored Calcite crystallization.

With its strong mineral contrast, three-dimensional crystal arrangement, and provenance from a classic mining locality in Missouri, the specimen is a characteristic collector’s piece from the USA.