Sphalerite with Quartz, Pyrrhotite

specimen number:
2262246

location:
Bluebell Mine, Riondel, Slocan, British Columbia, Canada

description:
Interesting locality example with lustrous black crystals of sphalerite, pseudo-hexagonal crystals of pyrrhotite, across the top of matrix with crystallized quartz. Some damage present as seen. The specimen comes with a previous data card with an acquisition date provided of 1962.

The Riondell mining camp, situated on the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada, is historically famous as one of the oldest and deepest base-metal producers in the province, centered on the legendary Bluebell mine. Geologically, this major deposit is classified as a classic carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) hosted within the Lower Cambrian-age Badshot Formation limestone. Intense structural deformation and regional faulting allowed deep-seated, high-temperature hydrothermal solutions to replace the thick limestone beds with massive bodies of lead, zinc, and silver sulfides, creating vast underground ore bodies rich in galena, sphalerite, and pyrrhotite alongside spectacular crystal-lined vugs filled with collector-quality quartz and calcite. Historically, the distinctive surface outcroppings were utilized by indigenous First Nations peoples for lead ore before being formally staked by European prospectors in 1882, making it the first located mineral claim in the Kootenay district. Commercial underground mining and industrial quarrying commenced in 1895, operating through several distinct phases of corporate ownership until Cominco took over operations and initiated the mine's most intensive, continuous production era from 1952 until 1971. Deep underground extraction reached far beneath Kootenay Lake before declining ore reserves and high pumping costs forced the permanent closure of the workings in late 1971.

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