Chromite

specimen number:
2063393

location:
Guleman Mines, Alacakaya, Elazig, Turkey

description:
A lustrous black cluster of interconnected chromite crystals, this with some matrix attached throughout. The overall look and appearance is that of a sort of melted appearance, yet this is in very good condition all around. I think very choice for the species, these are rarely seen available. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

Located in the Alacakaya District of Elazig Province in eastern Turkey, the Guleman mining district is part of the famous ophiolite complexes of the Tauride belt, where mantle-derived ultramafic rocks host extensive podiform chromite deposits. Discovered in 1936 by Turkish geologist Abdullah Husnu Suat, the deposits quickly catalyzed Turkey's modern chromite mining industry. Large-scale state and private operations throughout the twentieth century established Guleman as one of the world's premier sources of high-grade metallurgical ore, while mineral collectors value the locality for producing lustrous, metallic-black chromite crystals frequently associated with vibrant green uvarovite garnet, purple kammererite, and serpentine matrices.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.