Quartz on Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite

specimen number:
2312498

location:
Boldut Mine, Cavnic, Maramures Co., Romania

description:
Large lustrous twinned crystals of sphalerite hosting sparkling crystals of quartz and chalcopyrite. Impressive crystal size for this sphalerite. Aesthetic and in great condition.

The Boldut Mine, located within the Cavnic mining district of Maramures County, Romania, is part of a historic mining region with roots dating back to medieval times and earlier, while intensive industrial extraction of its polymetallic ores operated heavily through the 20th century until final closure around 2005. Geologically, the deposit sits within the Neogene volcanic belt of the Inner Carpathians, where hydrothermal activity driven by calc-alkaline magmatism emplaced rich veins of lead, zinc, copper, gold, and silver into volcanic and sedimentary host rocks. The underground workings became internationally renowned among mineral collectors for producing diverse sulfide and carbonate assemblages, including quartz, dolomite, rhodochrosite, calcite, sphalerite, and galena.

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