Nadorite

specimen number:
1052748

location:
Nador N'Bails Mine, Djebel Nador, Guelma, Algeria

description:
From the type locality for the species, and platy crystals of nadorite across the top of matrix. Slight damage present as seen. Good antique specimen for the species, this comes with an old label as shown at the end of the video. This label dates the specimen to 1903.

The Nador N'Bails mine, situated near Guelma in northeastern Algeria, was a significant underground and surface mining operation known for its complex zinc, lead, and antimony mineralization. Geologically, the deposit is a carbonate-hosted, low-temperature hydrothermal replacement system where metal-rich fluids migrated through deep-seated regional faults to deposit primary sulfides within Mesozoic-age limestone and marly strata. Extensive supergene weathering and near-surface oxidation transformed these primary ores into rich secondary zinc and antimony zones, characterized by a complex suite of carbonate and oxide minerals including smithsonite, calamine, and nadorite, a rare lead antimony oxychloride first discovered at this type locality. Historically, while ancient artisanal mining likely occurred at the site, large-scale industrial quarrying and underground shaft sinking began under French colonial administration in the late nineteenth century, with formal operations hitting a major production boom around 1890. The mine was worked heavily for its high-grade zinc ore and critical antimony reserves through both World Wars, but diminishing reserves and changing economic conditions caused production to decline after the mid-twentieth century, culminating in the total cessation of commercial mining activities and permanent closure of the property by the 1970s.

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