Barite with Chalcopyrite

specimen number:
2072155

location:
Dreislar Mine, Arnsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

description:
White bladed crystals of barite covering the top of a massive barite matrix with crystallized chalcopyrite. In good condition. Classic locality for the species.

The Dreislar Mine, located near Medebach in the Hochsauerland district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is one of the most famous localities for barite in Europe. Geologically, the deposit consists of hydrothermal veins that cut through Paleozoic-aged sedimentary rocks of the Rhenohercynian Zone, specifically shales and sandstones. The primary mineralization occurred during the Mesozoic era, when tectonic movements allowed mineral-rich fluids to deposit thick, high-purity veins of barite along with minor sulfides like cinnabar and chalcopyrite. Historically, the mine began operations in the early 1900s, with formal industrial production starting around 1912 to supply barite for the chemical and drilling industries. The most significant period of operation occurred under the Sachtleben Bergbau company, which modernized the site into a high-capacity facility during the mid-20th century. Although the mine officially ended its long run of commercial production in 2007 due to the exhaustion of easily accessible ore, it remains legendary among collectors for its world-class barite specimens.

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