Clinochlore with Magnetite

specimen number:
2133196

location:
Korshunovsk, Irkutsk, Russia

description:
Platy deep green crystals of clinochlore coming off matrix with lustrous small octahedral crystals of magnetite. In good condition with minimal rubbing present. Crystallized all around. Nice for the species.

The Korshunovskoye (Korshunovsk) deposit, located near Zheleznogorsk-Ilimsky in the Irkutsk Oblast of Russia, is a massive iron ore deposit famous for its exceptional mineral specimens. Geologically, it is a metasomatic magnetite deposit hosted within a volcanic pipe structure that penetrated Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the Siberian Platform. The mineralization occurred through the interaction of iron-rich hydrothermal fluids with skarns and breccias, resulting in the formation of enormous quantities of high-grade magnetite. For collectors, the site is best known for producing world-class crystals of magnetite, often as sharp octahedrons, and dark green clinochlore, which forms beautiful, lustrous, micaceous rosettes and tabular crystals. Historically, the deposit was discovered in the mid-20th century, and large-scale open-pit mining operations began in 1965 under the Korshunov Mining and Enrichment Plant. The mine has remained a primary source of iron ore for the Russian steel industry for over sixty years and continues to operate today.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.