Sphalerite with Quartz

specimen number:
2062638

location:
Trepca complex, Mitrovica, Kosovo

description:
Attractive combination piece with large lustrous slightly translucent crystals of sphalerite measuring to 3.0 cm in size covering the top of a massive sphalerite matrix. Accented attractively throughout her glassy translucent crystals of quartz measuring to 0.5 cm in size. Very tiny and minimal micro-damage present, this is in really good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark. This dates to the 1990s or earlier.

Trepca, located in northern Kosovo near Mitrovica, is one of the most famous mining districts in Europe, with a rich history dating back to Roman times and extensive commercial exploitation by Saxon miners in the Middle Ages. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the Vardar tectonic zone and consists of complex skarn and hydrothermal replacement ore bodies formed by Tertiary magmatic activity interacting with carbonate rocks and schist. Mineralogically, the site is globally celebrated for producing exceptional specimens of sulfides and sulfosalts including galena, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite, alongside a vast array of diverse secondary minerals, making it a legendary locality for both economic geology and mineral collecting.

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