Sphalerite with Calcite

specimen number:
8911135

location:
Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
Lustrous black twinned crystals of sphalerite, the largest measuring to 2.5 cm in size, across the top of matrix with minor calcite. In good condition with very minimal micro-damage present. Nice Mexican classic. The specimen comes with a previous label from the Alton collection.

The Naica mining district in Chihuahua, Mexico, originated with its first recorded claim in 1794, transitioned through intermittent operations and modern industrial development by companies like Industrias Penoles, and suspended operations indefinitely in October 2015 due to uncontrollable underground flooding. Geologically, the deposit sits within an Early Cretaceous carbonate sequence of limestones and dolostones intruded by a hidden magmatic body. This intrusive heat source maintained a deep, mineral-saturated thermal aquifer for hundreds of thousands of years, driving hydrothermal ore deposition (lead, zinc, and silver) as well as the specialized dissolution and recrystallization cycle that formed the world-famous giant selenite gypsum crystals found within its underground cavities.

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