Cubanite with Quartz

specimen number:
9302392

location:
Morro Velho Mine, Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil

description:
The front side of this matrix is covered with sparkling crystals of colorless quartz. Small platy metallic crystals of cubanite to 0.3 cm in size are scattered throughout. In good condition.

Located in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil, the historic Morro Velho Mine stands as one of the oldest and deepest continuously operated gold mines in the world. Geologically, the deposit is hosted within the Archean Rio das Velhas greenstone belt, featuring gold mineralization primarily associated with iron-rich banded iron formations and sulphide-rich quartz veins. Mining at Morro Velho began during the colonial era and was formalized in 1834 when the Saint John d'El Rey Mining Company took over operations, eventually driving shafts to depths exceeding 8,000 feet. Beyond its significant gold production, Morro Velho is globally renowned among mineral collectors for producing magnificent crystals of pyrrhotite, siderite, dolomite, pyrite, and quartz.

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