ELMWOOD 3 (SPHALERITE/DOLOMITE)

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This listing is for (1) raw sphalerite/dolomite specimen from the Elmwood Mine, the one pictured here. These are natural specimens that are totally raw/unpolished - so surface imperfections are expected. All sales are final, so please be sure to take a close look at the photos and contact us if you have any questions prior to purchasing.

Approximately 0.13kg; rough dimensions: 2.75" x 2.5" x 1.75"

Sphalerite

Grounding; supports courage, drive, & focus; believe in yourself; powerful manifestation tool; become your best self; protection.

Dolomite

Invigorating; focus emotional and physical energy; ground emotions into the physical realm; alignment; nurturing energy.

Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral that forms in masses and tetrahedral crystals. About 95% of all zinc we use today is from sphalerite ore, it’s the most important zinc ore. Sphalerite from Elmwood is often deep red (like garnet but even darker), but you will sometimes get more brown coloring or black ("blackjack"). 

Dolomite is a calcium magnesium carbonate, most often appearing white in Elmwood specimens. Some specimens (including this one) exhibit rhombic dolomite, which is dolomite that grows in rhomboidal formations. 

Elmwood is a zinc mine in Carthage, TN. Specimens in this locality were more widely available in the past because the company used to allow the miners to bring specimens out in their lunch coolers (lunchbox crystals!). The mine closed in 2004, then reopened in 2010. We’ve seen a trickle of material since but the new mining company is super strict and takes a lot of counter-measures to discourage specimen mining (like blasting). It’s extremely dangerous for miners to smuggle material out and they’ll lose their jobs.

Zinc mining is why the mine was reopened. Zinc has increased in value considerably, and unfortunately the pockets with the most incredible specimens are in the zones with the highest quality zinc ore.

These were some of the last crystals I sourced from my Elmwood supplier before he retired from the industry, but he had been sourcing Elmwood material for decades, directly from his connection in Tennessee.

I hand selected these at the Denver Gem Show about five years ago.

The Mineral Maven LLC are not doctors and cannot give out medical advice. Healing crystals should be used as a complement to other therapies and not as a replacement for medical treatment, diagnosis, or examination. For medical advice, please consult a licensed healthcare specialist.

AVOID WATER & SELF CARE PRODUCTS

Avoid exposure to water (especially saltwater and chlorine), lotions, sprays, soap, etc because they can damage the elastic over time - and this can lead to snapping. Even the oils and sweat on our skin can wear out the elastic eventually.

Remove your bracelet when bathing, swimming, doing the dishes, etc. These activities can also dull the crystals.

STORAGE + CLEANING

Every bracelet comes with an organic cotton pouch for safe storage when not in use. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause crystals to fade over time. Keep your bracelet out of reach of children and pets, as they can easily snap the elastic.

Use a soft cloth (like microfiber) to wipe off oils, dust, or dirt. Avoid soap or harsh chemicals, and just use a damp cloth if needed. Allow your crystal bracelet to dry before wearing it again.

REMOVE BEFORE ROUGH ACTIVITIES

Avoid getting your bracelet caught on things by removing it before doing activities like playing with kids or dogs, yard work, exercise, etc. You can also wear them on your non-dominant hand to reduce chances of getting caught and snapping.

GENTLE HANDLING

The elastic can snap if handled roughly. Gently roll your bracelet over your hand when putting it on or taking it off, and avoid pulling or stretching too hard.