Proustite with Barite, Quartz

specimen number:
1052466

location:
Gabe Gottes Mine, Neuenberg, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Haut-Rhin, Grand Est, France

description:
A neat very old specimen showing red crystals of proustite measuring to 0.2 cm in size on matrix with crystalline barite and quartz. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video.

The Gabe Gottes Mine, located in the Sainte Marie aux Mines area in Alsace, France, is part of a historic mining region in the Vosges Mountains that was extensively worked from the 16th century through the 18th century for silver and associated metals. The geology of the area consists of hydrothermal vein deposits hosted in metamorphic and granitic rocks, where mineralizing fluids introduced silver, lead, copper, and other elements into fractures and fault zones. The district became one of the most important mining centers in Europe during its peak, with numerous mines developed along rich vein systems. The Gabe Gottes Mine was one of these operations, contributing to the production of silver before activity declined as ore was depleted and economic conditions changed. Most mining in the district, including at Gabe Gottes, had largely ceased by the late 18th century, although some limited activity continued into the 19th century.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.