Chalcopyrite with Siderite (SUL-0033)

specimen number:
9273226

location:
Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang Co., Bijie, Guizhou, China

description:

Superb combination piece with lenticular lustrous crystals of siderite measuring to 2.2 cm in size hosting large bright golden crystals of chalcopyrite measuring to almost 2.0 cm in size. In super condition.

The Kaiwu mine, located in Hezhang County within the Bijie Prefecture of Guizhou Province, China, is a contemporary mineral locality known for producing distinctive specimens of siderite, chalcopyrite, and stacked calcite clusters. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the low-temperature metallogenic domain of southwest China, where mineralized fluids migrated through structural fault zones and fracture networks. Hydrothermal activity at relatively low temperatures deposited rhombohedral and saddle-shaped, brownish siderite crystals, often accompanied by well-formed chalcopyrite crystals and translucent, stacked calcite overgrowths in open vugs and veins. Small-scale mining and corporate base-metal extraction at the site became notable to the international mineral market around 2013, when fine mineral specimens first debuted at major global gem and mineral exhibitions, with localized extraction continuing to supply collectors through the 2010s and into the 2020s.

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