Calcite with Sphalerite, Quartz

specimen number:
2312071

location:
Osikovo deposit, Septemvri Mine, Madan, Smolyan, Bulgaria

description:
Colorless crystals of rhombohedral calcite measuring to 3.0 cm in size across the top of a quartz crystal matrix with sphalerite scattered throughout. Minor chalcopyrite present as well. This is in terrific condition.

The Osikovo deposit, associated with the Septemvri Mine (historically known as the Ninth of September Mine) in the Madan ore field of Smolyan Province, Bulgaria, is part of a renowned lead, zinc, and silver mining district with a history of extraction dating back to ancient Thracian and Roman times. Modern industrial scale mining expanded significantly during the twentieth century. Geologically, the deposit lies within the Rhodope Mountains, where Precambrian metamorphic rocks and marbles are cut by hydrothermal veins formed during Alpine tectonic and magmatic events. The interaction of hot, metal-bearing hydrothermal fluids with reactive carbonate rocks produced extensive metasomatic skarn zones and open vugs. These underground pockets are internationally famous among mineral collectors for yielding exceptionally well-crystallized specimens of galena, sphalerite (including cleiophane varieties), quartz, calcite, dolomite, and chalcopyrite.

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