Calcite on Quartz

specimen number:
2312379

location:
Petrovitza Mine, Madan, Smolyon, Bulgaria

description:
Colorless mostly gemmy crystals of quartz lustrous in measuring to almost 6.0 cm in size across the top of matrix and accented nicely with crystallized calcite. In great condition.

The Petrovitza Mine is part of the prolific Madan ore field located in the Smolyan Province of the southern Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. Geologically, the deposit sits within a complex metamorphic and igneous terrain where Tertiary hydrothermal vein systems and metasomatic replacement bodies cut through Precambrian gneisses and crystalline marbles. This unique chemical environment created large vugs and pockets yielding world-class mineral specimens, predominantly consisting of galena, sphalerite, pyrite, quartz, and various carbonates. Historically, the region has a very ancient mining tradition dating back to the Thracian era, with organized industrial extraction expanding through the 20th century to make the Madan district one of Europe's premier sources for lead, zinc, and exceptional mineral crystals.

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