Chalcopyrite with Sphalerite, Quartz

specimen number:
1052282

location:
Banska Stiavnica (Schemnitz), Slovakia

description:
Semi lustrous crystals of golden chalcopyrite measuring to 1.5 cm in size across the top of this matrix with many glassy crystals of quartz to 2.5 cm in length. Slight damage present, this still in good condition overall. The historic mining at Schemnitz (now Bansk a Stiavnica in central Slovakia) made it one of the most important mining districts in Europe from the early Middle Ages into the 19th century, producing large amounts of silver and gold from hydrothermal vein ores. German miners and engineers helped develop deep workings, advanced drainage and hoisting technology, and the region became famous for its mining innovations. In 1735 the worlds first formal Mining Academy was established there to train specialists in mining and metallurgy. The mines remained active until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the area today is noted for its mining heritage and museums. The specimen here comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video. This certainly dates to the 19th century and was at one time part of the collection of a Wilhelm Hoyer. Wilhelm Christoph Hoyer (1826 to 1897) was a German mineral collector in the 19th century known for maintaining an extensive personal mineral collection and regarded as an authority in mineralogy in his region around Oldenburg, Germany.

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