Fluorite with Sphalerite

specimen number:
1822111

location:
Naica, Saucillo, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
Pale green glassy and gemmy crystals of fluorite measuring to 3.0 cm in size scattered attractively across the top of a lustrous black sphalerite crystal matrix. The sphalerite crystals can measure to 2.3 cm in size and exhibit twinning. This is in great condition. Very fine Mexican classic.

The Naica mining district in Chihuahua, Mexico, originated with its first recorded claim in 1794, transitioned through intermittent operations and modern industrial development by companies like Industrias Penoles, and suspended operations indefinitely in October 2015 due to uncontrollable underground flooding. Geologically, the deposit sits within an Early Cretaceous carbonate sequence of limestones and dolostones intruded by a hidden magmatic body. This intrusive heat source maintained a deep, mineral-saturated thermal aquifer for hundreds of thousands of years, driving hydrothermal ore deposition (lead, zinc, and silver) as well as the specialized dissolution and recrystallization cycle that formed the world-famous giant selenite gypsum crystals found within its underground cavities.

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