Sphalerite with Siderite, Quartz

specimen number:
2312621

location:
Turt Mine, Satu Mare Co., Romania

description:
Bright lustrous crystallized balls of sphalerite measuring to 2.0 cm in diameter across the front of a sparkling quartz and siderite crystal matrix. Pyrite is present as well. Unusual crystal formation for the species and locality, in excellent condition.

The Turt Mine, located in the Satu Mare County of northwestern Romania within the Oas Mountains, is a historic mining district with roots extending back several centuries, with structured commercial and state operations expanding during the Austro-Hungarian period and continuing through the 20th century before closing. Geologically, the deposit is associated with Neogene calc-alkaline volcanic activity, consisting of epithermal veins hosted in volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed during intense hydrothermal mineralization. Mineralogically, the district is celebrated for its rich base metal assemblages, producing exceptional specimens of siderite forming replacements after calcite, pyrite, galena, etc.

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