Quartz with Pyrite, Siderite after Calcite

specimen number:
2312526

location:
Cavnic, Maramures Co., Romania

description:

Large cabinet combination piece with crystals of quartz to 5.0 cm in height across this matrix with bright golden cubic crystals of pyrite and siderite replacing previous rhombohedral crystals of calcite. This is in very good condition. The previous label says that chalcocite is present, while these are dark and platy in nature, I do not believe these crystals to be chalcocite.

Cavnic, located in the Maramures region of northern Romania, is a historic mining district with metal extraction dating back to medieval times and sustained commercial operations through the twentieth century. Geologically, the area is situated within the Neogene volcanic belt of the Eastern Carpathians, where epithermal vein deposits formed through hydrothermal activity associated with calc-alkaline volcanism. Mineralogically, the district is world-famous for its rich polymetallic sulfide veins, producing exceptional, highly aesthetic museum specimens of quartz, rhodochrosite, calcite, sphalerite, galena, and various sulfosalts that are treasured by collectors globally.

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