Lollingite with Siderite

specimen number:
2262031

location:
Huttenberg, Sankt Veit an der Glan, Carinthia, Austria

description:
A choice European classic with bright lustrous metallic crystallized lollingite across the top of a siderite matrix. In excellent condition.

The Huettenberg mining district, located in Carinthia, Austria, is one of the most significant and ancient iron ore deposits in the Alps. Geologically, it is characterized by massive siderite replacement bodies hosted within Paleozoic marbles and crystalline schists of the Austroalpine nappe system. The ore was formed by hydrothermal fluids that replaced the carbonate host rocks with iron-rich minerals, often associated with a diverse range of secondary species. Historically, mining in Huettenberg dates back to the Celtic era and the Roman Empire, where the region was famous for producing Ferrum Noricum, or Noric steel. Large-scale industrial operations were established in the 19th century and continued through the world wars, serving as a vital source of iron for Central Europe. The mines were eventually closed in 1978 due to economic shifts and the depletion of high-grade ore, but the site remains a major cultural landmark and a world-famous locality for rare mineral specimens.

Lollingite is a metallic mineral that serves as a primary ore of arsenic and was first described from the Lolling district near Huettenberg. It typically appears as silvery-white to steel-grey crystals or massive aggregates with a distinct metallic luster. In the Huettenberg deposits, it is often found within the siderite ore bodies, frequently occurring as well-formed orthorhombic crystals or in association with other sulfide and arsenide minerals. Because it contains a high concentration of arsenic, lollingite was historically processed to produce various arsenic compounds used in industrial and chemical applications.

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