Galena

specimen number:
2273021

location:
Pribram, Bohemia, Czech Republic

description:
Choice old-timer Central European specimen with metallic lustrous crystals of galena measuring to 1.0 cm in size across the top of matrix with calcite. This is in great condition. The specimen comes with an old label as shown at the end of the video.

The Pribram mining district, located in central Bohemia within the Czech Republic, is one of Europe's deepest and most historic silver-lead-zinc and uranium mining centers. Geologically, the deposit consists of extensive, deep-seated hydrothermal vein systems hosted within Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks of the Barrandian block and adjacent Cambrian sandstones, heavily influenced by the intrusion of the Variscan-age Central Bohemian Pluton. Silver and lead extraction at the site dates back to at least the fourteenth century, evolving into a world-class industrial operation during the nineteenth century when mines like the Vojtech shaft reached record-breaking vertical depths exceeding 1,000 meters. Following World War II, the district underwent a massive strategic expansion under Soviet control to mine rich hydrothermal uranium deposits, which were aggressively worked until economic reserves were depleted. Large-scale commercial extraction across the entire Pribram district finally concluded in 1991, closing out many centuries of active mining.

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