Bornite with Calcite

specimen number:
8282330

location:
Dzhezkazgan, Karaganda, Kazakhstan

description:

A grouping of large rhombohedral translucent to almost transparent calcite crystals, these twinned, measuring to 3.5 cm in size on a thin plate of matrix with many metallic crystal groupings of bornite measuring to 1.0 cm in size. I think a really choice combination piece. In good condition as seen.

Mining at Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan centers on one of the worlds largest sediment hosted copper deposits, developed extensively during the Soviet era to supply copper for industry and defense. The deposits occur in red bed sandstones of Carboniferous age and contain copper minerals such as chalcocite, bornite, and chalcopyrite, along with minor silver and other elements. Large scale underground mining began in the early 20th century and expanded significantly after the 1930s with the construction of processing plants and smelters that supported the growth of the city of Dzhezkazgan. Today the district remains a major copper producing region operated by Kazakhmys, continuing its long history as a key center of Central Asian mining.

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