Phosgenite

specimen number:
1052311

location:
Monteponi Mine, Iglesias, Sardinia, Italy

description:
Classic Sardinian specimen showing a grouping of thick tabular phosgenite crystals on matrix. This is in good condition. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video and dates to the very early 20th century if not the 19th century. Mining in Iglesias, Sardinia has a long history dating back to Phoenician and Roman times when lead and silver were extracted from rich vein deposits in the surrounding hills. The district later expanded under Spanish and then Italian control, with numerous underground mines developed to work lead, zinc, and silver ores hosted in carbonate rocks. During the 19th and 20th centuries Iglesias became one of Italys most important mining centers, supporting smelting works and a growing local economy. Production declined in the late 20th century, and today the area is recognized for its historic mine sites and well known mineral specimens such as galena, sphalerite, and cerussite.

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