Galena with Calcite

specimen number:
9273026

location:
Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:

Sharp lustrous penetration twinned crystals of galena measuring to 2.5 cm are in size on matrix with crystallized calcite and minor fluorite. This is in great condition. Pyrite present as well. Ex Miguel Romero collection with labels.

The Naica mine, situated in the Saucillo Municipality within the central part of Chihuahua, Mexico, is a world-famous underground lead-zinc-silver mining operation celebrated by collectors for producing exceptional mineral specimens of twinned galena, alongside highly sought-after combinations of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, fluorite, and giant gypsum crystals. Geologically, this major deposit is an intrusion-centered skarn and high-temperature carbonate replacement system localized within a thick sequence of Cretaceous sedimentary limestone beds that have been heavily faulted and domed by a deep-seated Tertiary granodioritic stock. Hydrothermal fluids migrating through these structural pathways dissolved the limestone and precipitated rich sulfide bodies, allowing well-formed crystals to grow within large open pockets, including the distinct, highly prized spinel-law twinned galena crystals that show flattened, tabular habits. Historically, prospecting in the Naica hills began as early as 1794, but systematic commercial underground mining commenced in 1894 and expanded significantly under the Naica Mining Company in the early twentieth century before being consolidated under Industrias Penoles. Industrial extraction was suspended in October 2015 when a catastrophic underground flooding event inundated the deepest working levels, including the famous Cave of the Crystals, effectively halting regular mining operations.

Miguel Romero Sanchez (1926 to 1997) was a world-renowned Mexican mineral collector, scientist, and philanthropist whose extraordinary passion for mineralogy resulted in one of the most significant private collections of Mexican minerals ever assembled.

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