Calcite with Dolomite, Chalcopyrite

specimen number:
2013477

location:
Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend, Reynolds Co., Missouri, USA

description:
Pale yellow lustrous and mostly gemmy prismatic crystals of calcite to 3.5 cm in size across the top of a breccia matrix coated with dolomite and chalcopyrite. Galena is present as well. This is in excellent condition. Collected in the mid 1970s. Crystallized naturally all around with no points of attachment.

The Sweetwater Mine, located in Reynolds County, Missouri, is part of the Southeast Missouri Lead District, one of the worlds largest lead producing regions. Mining in the area began in the 20th century and has focused on extracting lead from Mississippi Valley type deposits hosted in Cambrian age dolomite. These deposits formed from the movement of metal rich fluids through carbonate rocks, depositing galena and associated minerals in fractures and pore spaces. In addition to its economic importance, the Sweetwater Mine is well known among collectors for its calcite specimens. Calcite from this locality commonly occurs as well formed crystals, often showing complex habits, good transparency, and colors ranging from colorless to pale shades. These crystals formed in open cavities where mineral rich fluids allowed for slow and well developed growth, making them attractive and desirable specimens from this classic mining district.

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