Galena with Fluorite, Calcite, Pyrite

specimen number:
1822110

location:
Naica, Saucillo, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
Fine large combination piece with bright lustrous wind crystals of galena measuring to 3.5 cm in size across one side of this crystallized green fluorite matrix. The backside of the piece shows mostly gemmy green fluorite crystals to 1.5 cm in size. Scattered throughout are colorless crystals of calcite and small crystals of golden pyrite. This is in terrific condition all around and there are no points of attachment. Excellent for the species at this locality.

The Naica mining district in Chihuahua, Mexico, originated with its first recorded claim in 1794, transitioned through intermittent operations and modern industrial development by companies like Industrias Penoles, and suspended operations indefinitely in October 2015 due to uncontrollable underground flooding. Geologically, the deposit sits within an Early Cretaceous carbonate sequence of limestones and dolostones intruded by a hidden magmatic body. This intrusive heat source maintained a deep, mineral-saturated thermal aquifer for hundreds of thousands of years, driving hydrothermal ore deposition (lead, zinc, and silver) as well as the specialized dissolution and recrystallization cycle that formed the world-famous giant selenite gypsum crystals found within its underground cavities.

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