Galena with Sphalerite, Quartz

specimen number:
2312088

location:
760m level, South-end, Mogilata deposit, Septemvri Mine, Madan, Smolyan, Bulgaria

description:
A terrific large matrix plate covered with glistening lustrous cubic crystals of galena measuring to 1.0 cm on edge. Crystallized quartz and sphalerite are scattered richly throughout as well. In super condition.

The Mogilata deposit, accessed via the Septemvri Mine within the Madan ore field of the Smolyan province in southern Bulgaria, is situated in the central Rhodope Mountains. Its geology is defined by Paleogene hydrothermal vein and carbonate-replacement systems cutting through a metamorphic basement of Precambrian to Paleozoic gneisses, schists, and marbles. Mineralization formed from meteoric-hydrothermal fluids driven by Oligocene magmatic activity, producing significant deposits of lead and zinc. Commercial underground mining in the area expanded significantly during the mid-twentieth century under state-run operations. The deposit is well known among mineral collectors for yielding crystal specimens of galena, sphalerite, pyrite, and quartz, alongside carbonate gangue minerals such as rhodochrosite and calcite.

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