Sphalerite with Quartz

specimen number:
2312319

location:
Krushev dol Mine, Madan, Smolyan, Bulgaria

description:
Gemmy greenish brown crystals of sphalerite measuring to 1.0 cm in size aesthetic across a crystallized quartz matrix. In great condition. Very choice for the species.

The Krushev dol Mine is situated within the Madan ore field of the Smolyan Province in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria. Geologically, the deposit is part of the Central Rhodope Dome, consisting of high-grade metamorphic rocks intersected by fault systems and hydrothermal ore veins that form replacement skarn and vein-type bodies. Its rich mineralogy is famous for producing high-quality specimens of galena, sphalerite (including prized cleiophane varieties), chalcopyrite, pyrite, quartz, and various carbonates like calcite. Mining in the region has a very ancient history dating back to the 4th century BC, with extensive industrial underground extraction scaling up dramatically during the 20th century. Exact formal opening and closing dates for individual operational phases under modern state and private enterprises vary, but the mine has seen intermittent commercial activity and continued collector specimen recovery.

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