Rammelsbergite with Nickeline, Barite
specimen number:
1052511
location:
Helbra, Eisleben, Mansfeld-Sudharz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
description: The Hohenthalschacht, later known as the Hans Seidel Schacht, was a significant mining operation located near Helbra and Lutherstadt Eisleben in the Mansfeld District of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Geologically, the mine targeted the famous Kupferschiefer, a thin but laterally extensive Permian-aged sedimentary layer or "copper shale" that is world-renowned for its high concentrations of copper, silver, and other base metals. This mineralized shale formed in the ancient Zechstein Sea and underwent complex post-sedimentary enrichment. Historically, the Graf von Hohenthal shafts I and II were established in the late 19th century and played a vital role in the industrial development of the region until the mid-20th century. During the era of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), the facility was renamed the Hans Seidel Schacht to reflect the political climate of the time. For mineral collectors and geologists, the site is notable for producing rare nickel and arsenic minerals, including nickeline and maucherite, often found within the "Rucken" or hydrothermal veins that crosscut the shale. While the mine is now closed, the massive, conical waste rock heaps (Schachthalden) remain as iconic landmarks of the Mansfeld mining landscape, serving as a permanent monument to over 800 years of copper mining history in the area.
Rich metallic masses of rammelsbergite throughout matrix with a vein of nickeline and pinkish barite. Neat old historic specimen. This comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video and dates to the very early 20th century.
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