Stibnite

specimen number:
2072233

location:
Herja Mine, Maramures Co., Romania

description:
Classic spray of bright lustrous stibnite crystals without matrix. This is in good condition.

The Herja Mine, situated near Baia Mare in Maramures County, Romania, is a classic hydrothermal lead-zinc-silver deposit located within the Neogene volcanic arc of the Carpathian Mountains. Geologically, the mineralization occurs as a complex system of veins and breccia pipes hosted within andesitic rocks and sedimentary flysch, formed by mineral-rich fluids during late-stage volcanic activity. The mine is world-renowned for its exceptional stibnite specimens, which frequently occur as dense, radiating sprays of metallic grey, needle-like crystals, often associated with siderite, calcite, or distinct "spherical" berthierite. Historically, mining in the region dates back to the Middle Ages, but modern industrial operations at Herja expanded significantly in the late 19th century and continued throughout the 20th century under state-run enterprises. The mine was a major producer of base metals for the Romanian economy until it was officially closed in 2006 due to restructuring and the cessation of state subsidies for the mining sector. Despite the closure, Herja remains a top-tier locality for collectors because of the unique habit and high luster of its antimony-bearing sulfides.

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