Sphalerite with Siderite, Pyrite

specimen number:
2312178

location:
Turt Mine, Satu Mare Co., Romania

description:
A crystallized hemisphere of lustrous sphalerite, this hosting crystallized siderite and pyrite. A neat miniature for the locality, in excellent condition.

The Turt Mine, located in the Oas Mountains of Satu Mare County in northwestern Romania, is part of a historic metallogenic region with long-standing underground mining operations targeting base and precious metals. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the Neogene volcanic belt of the Inner Carpathians, where subvolcanic structures and complex hydrothermal vein systems cut through older formations. These fluid systems deposited concentrated pockets of lead, zinc, and copper sulfides. The mine has gained recognition among mineral collectors for producing fine specimens of galena, quartz, and distinctive pseudomorphs or crystal casts involving siderite replacing earlier carbonate minerals.

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