Calcite with Sphalerite

specimen number:
2312027

location:
Krushev dol Mine, Madan, Smolyan, Bulgaria

description:
Large light pink rhombohedral crystals of calcite, the largest measuring 8.0 cm across, set on matrix with sphalerite. In great condition. Brightly fluorescent red under longwave ultraviolet light.

The Krushev Dol Mine, located in the Madan Municipality of Smolyan Province, Bulgaria, is part of the central Rhodope metallogenic zone within the Madan lead-zinc ore field. The geology of the deposit consists of high-grade metamorphic basement rocks intersected by fault systems that channeled hydrothermal fluids, resulting in quartz-sulfide veins and replacement skarn bodies. Mining activity in the Madan region dates back to antiquity, with historical extraction beginning during the Thracian period and continuing through Roman and medieval times. Modern industrial exploitation expanded significantly during the twentieth century, transforming the area into an active producer of base metals. Underground mining operations in the Krushev Dol deposit exposed open cavities containing quartz, galena, and sphalerite, including transparent olive-green sphalerite crystals.

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