Galena with Sphalerite, Calcite (O-0040)

specimen number:
9273129

location:
Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:

Bright lustrous metallic crystals of galena in a cluster with semi lustrous black sharp crystals of sphalerite. Colorless scalenohedral calcite scattered throughout nicely. In great condition.

The Naica mine, situated in the Saucillo Municipality within the central part of Chihuahua, Mexico, is a world-famous underground lead-zinc-silver mining operation celebrated by collectors for producing exceptional mineral specimens of twinned galena, alongside highly sought-after combinations of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, fluorite, and giant gypsum crystals. Geologically, this major deposit is an intrusion-centered skarn and high-temperature carbonate replacement system localized within a thick sequence of Cretaceous sedimentary limestone beds that have been heavily faulted and domed by a deep-seated Tertiary granodioritic stock. Hydrothermal fluids migrating through these structural pathways dissolved the limestone and precipitated rich sulfide bodies, allowing well-formed crystals to grow within large open pockets, including the distinct, highly prized spinel-law twinned galena crystals that show flattened, tabular habits. Historically, prospecting in the Naica hills began as early as 1794, but systematic commercial underground mining commenced in 1894 and expanded significantly under the Naica Mining Company in the early twentieth century before being consolidated under Industrias Penoles. Industrial extraction was suspended in October 2015 when a catastrophic underground flooding event inundated the deepest working levels, including the famous Cave of the Crystals, effectively halting regular mining operations.

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