A cluster of dark reddish, metallic sphalerite crystals on matrix, from a classic American locality. There is a bit of chipping on the bottom.

Sphalerite and galena specimens from this area, tend to have a sharpness and crisp geometric quality that I don't often see in specimens from other localities-- I think it's a combination of distinct crystals, clean edges and extra three-dimensionality, attributes that seem to lack in the jumbled sphalerites from any of the other major localities in Peru, Bulgaria, Kosovo or China.  

Mining in the area began around the 1850's-60's on the Missouri side of the district, with the last mine closing in Oklahoma in 1967 (that should provide some idea of the age of this piece.)  Because of the environmental impact of the extensive lead mining, the area is today home to 3 Superfund sites,  and Picher itself is a ghost town.