Galena with Quartz, Sphalerite, Pyrite

specimen number:
2312215

location:
South Petrovitsa Mine, Madan, Smolyon, Bulgaria

description:
Lustrous sharp crystals of galena measuring to 3.0 cm in size across the top of matrix with crystals of quartz to 4.0 cm in length. Sphalerite and pyrite are present as well. This is in terrific condition. Good large combination piece.

The South Petrovitsa Mine (Yuzhna Petrovitsa), located within the Madan ore field of the Smolyan province in southern Bulgaria, has a mining history rooted in modern industrial extraction beginning in the mid-twentieth century, though the broader Madan district holds ancient roots dating back to Thracian times. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the Central Rhodope Dome and is controlled by major regional NW-SE trending fault systems. The ore structures consist of hydrothermal quartz-sulfide veins and carbonate replacement skarn bodies hosted in high-grade metamorphic sequences of gneisses, amphibolites, and marble lenses. The mine is globally renowned for producing significant lead, zinc, and silver mineralizations, alongside rich assemblages of gangue and skarn minerals such as galena, sphalerite, pyrite, and various manganoan silicates.

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