Sphalerite with Galena

specimen number:
2312376

location:
Mogilata deposit, Septemvri Mine, Madan, Smolyan, Bulgaria

description:
Lustrous black crystals of sphalerite measuring to 3.0 cm in size on matrix with crystallized galena and pyrite. This is in terrific condition.

The Mogilata deposit, accessed via the Septemvri Mine within the Madan ore field of the Smolyan province in southern Bulgaria, is situated in the central Rhodope Mountains. Its geology is defined by Paleogene hydrothermal vein and carbonate-replacement systems cutting through a metamorphic basement of Precambrian to Paleozoic gneisses, schists, and marbles. Mineralization formed from meteoric-hydrothermal fluids driven by Oligocene magmatic activity, producing significant deposits of lead and zinc. Mining in the broader Madan region dates back to ancient times, with organized extraction expanding significantly during the mid-twentieth century. The deposit is well known among mineral collectors for yielding crystal specimens of galena, sphalerite, pyrite, quartz, and carbonate gangue minerals.

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