Pyrargyrite

specimen number:
2262048

location:
Jachymov, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

description:

A choice grouping of lustrous pyrargyrite crystals with minor calcite and dolomite. In good condition with very minimal micro-damage present. Nice old Central European classic.

Jachymov, located in the Krusne Hory Mountains of the Czech Republic, is a historically monumental mining town known for its complex polymetallic vein deposits. Geologically, it is situated within a Proterozoic to Paleozoic metamorphic basement intruded by Variscan granites, resulting in the famous five element vein mineralization containing silver, cobalt, nickel, bismuth, and uranium. Historically, mining began in 1516 after massive silver discoveries, leading to the minting of the Joachimsthaler coin, from which the word dollar is derived. While the 16th century was the peak for silver, the district later became the site of the world's first industrial uranium mine in the 19th century and the source of material for Marie Curie's discovery of radium. Jachymov is world-renowned for producing exceptional specimens of pyrargyrite, or dark ruby silver. This silver antimony sulfide typically occurs as deep red to metallic grey, well-formed hexagonal crystals found in the silver-rich carbonate and quartz veins. While major mining operations ended in the 1960s, the locality remains a cornerstone of mineralogical study due to its status as the type locality for numerous mineral species.

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