Galena with Dolomite

specimen number:
2013524

location:
West Fork Mine, Viburnum Trend, Reynolds Co., Missouri, USA

description:
A very thin breccia plate matrix coated with white sparkling crystals of dolomite. Scattered aesthetically across the top are semi lustrous octahedral crystals of galena measuring to 1.6 cm in size. Collected in the early 1990s. This is in excellent condition. A very choice large specimen showing the octahedral form for the species from this mining district.

The West Fork Mine, located in Reynolds County, Missouri, is a premier industrial operation within the Viburnum Trend. Geologically, it is a Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) lead-zinc deposit hosted within the Cambrian-aged Bonneterre Formation. The mineralization occurred as metal-rich, saline hydrothermal fluids migrated through the porous "Reef" and "Back-reef" dolostones, depositing sulfides in large solution-collapse breccias and open vugs. Historically, the mine was developed by ASARCO in the early 1980s and became a cornerstone of American lead production. While it is primarily a massive industrial site, it earned a legendary status among mineralogists for the incredible crystallized pockets discovered during the late 20th century, which provided some of the most significant galena specimens in the entire district.

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