Sphalerite after Calcite with Barite

specimen number:
2312547

location:
Baia Sprie, Maramures Co., Romania

description:

Interesting specimen showing crystallized sphalerite, these forming replacements and now hollow casts after gone scalenohedral calcite crystals. Small bladed crystals of barite are scattered throughout. This is in great condition.

Baia Sprie, historically known by the Hungarian name Felsobanya, was first officially documented in 1329 and developed into a major medieval mining center for gold, silver, and base metals under Hungarian and Habsburg administration. Large-scale underground and surface mining operations continued for centuries until the active commercial exploitation of its metal deposits ceased in 2007. Geologically, the area is situated within the Neogene volcanic chain of the Gutai Mountains in the Baia Mare metallogenic district. The local geology is characterized by complex Neogene volcanic structures cutting through sedimentary and metamorphic basement rocks, hosting world-renowned hydrothermal vein systems rich in diverse polymetallic sulfide and precious metal mineral assemblages.

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