Calcite with Sphalerite, Galena, Quartz

specimen number:
2312371

location:
Borieva Mine, Madan, Smolyon, Bulgaria

description:
Thin light pink to colorless crystals of calcite on a crystallized quartz matrix with sphalerite and galena. In very good condition. This is crystallized completely all around with no points of attachment.

The Borieva Mine is part of the famous Madan ore field located in the Smolyan Province of the Central Rhodopes in southern Bulgaria. Historically, mining activity in this region dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence showing that Thracians and Romans extracted lead-silver ores here centuries before modern operations. Modern industrial mining expanded significantly during the 20th century under joint national and international operations. Geologically, the deposit is situated within a complex metamorphic core complex formed of gneisses, amphibolites, and marbles cut by Paleogene extensional structures. The mineralogy is characterized by hydrothermal quartz-sulfide veins and replacement skarn bodies rich in galena and sphalerite, alongside prominent gangue minerals like calcite, quartz, and various carbonates, making the district world-renowned for exceptional, museum-grade mineral specimens.

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