Tri-State (Joplin) Breccia - Sphalerite, Pyrite, Marcasite, Chalcopyrite, and Quartz with Chert

This is a breccia, a rock that was broken apart due to seismic activity that naturally "cemented" back together over time due to mineral deposition. This breccia is from the Tri-State lead district of Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma but this particular specimen was mined in Joplin Missouri. It's a breccia comprised of quartz, sphalerite, marcasite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and chert. It's a beautiful representation of a mining district that has been inactive for over 50 years. Tri-State specimens used to be common place but after 50 years their rarity is unquestioned and a specimen like this doesn't come around every day.