Chalcopyrite with Sphalerite

specimen number:
2312035

location:
Turt Mine, Satu Mare Co., Romania

description:
Large golden crystals of thick chalcopyrite to 4.5 cm in size in a cluster with crystallized black sphalerite. In great condition, this is excellent for the species.

The Turt Mine, located in the Oas Mountains of Satu Mare County in northwestern Romania, is situated within a prolific metallogenic region associated with Neogene volcanism along the Inner Carpathians. The local geology is characterized by volcanic and subvolcanic structures where hydrothermal activity deposited complex polymetallic ore veins containing lead, zinc, and copper sulfides. Mining operations in the area date back generations to extract these base metals. The underground workings became well known among mineral collectors for producing fine specimens of galena, often associated with siderite, pyrite, and other sulfide minerals, before industrial extraction eventually ceased.

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