Galena with Sphalerite, Quartz

specimen number:
2312307

location:
Cavnic, Maramures Co., Romania

description:

Bright lustrous crystallized galena coming off matrix was sphalerite and crystallized quartz. This is in very good condition all around. Note that the previous label says that there is acanthite present on this piece. I certainly cannot find it.

Cavnic, located in Maramures County, Romania, is an ancient mining center with documentary records dating back to 1336, though local extraction activities date back to Roman times. The formal industrial underground mine modernly opened in 1958 and continued operations through various state-managed structures until its permanent closure in the early 2000s. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the volcanic Gutai Mountains, featuring complex hydrothermal polymetallic vein systems hosted in Neogene volcanic rocks. Mineralogically, Cavnic is world-renowned for yielding rich reserves of lead, zinc, copper, gold, and silver, alongside exceptional specimen mineralogy including striking blue barite, quartz, and various sulfide and carbonate assemblages.

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