Tetrahedrite with Quartz, Chalcopyrite

specimen number:
2312504

location:
Boldut Mine, Cavnic, Maramures Co., Romania

description:

Brilliant metallic sharp crystals of tetrahedrite averaging 0.4 cm in size across the top of a crystallized quartz matrix with chalcopyrite. The quartz crystals appear to be forming replacements after previous crystals of what is likely calcite. In great condition.

The Boldut Mine, located within the Cavnic mining district of Maramures County, Romania, is part of a historic mining region with roots dating back to medieval times and earlier, while intensive industrial extraction of its polymetallic ores operated heavily through the 20th century until final closure around 2005. Geologically, the deposit sits within the Neogene volcanic belt of the Inner Carpathians, where hydrothermal activity driven by calc-alkaline magmatism emplaced rich veins of lead, zinc, copper, gold, and silver into volcanic and sedimentary host rocks. The underground workings became internationally renowned among mineral collectors for producing diverse sulfide and carbonate assemblages, including quartz, dolomite, rhodochrosite, calcite, sphalerite, and galena.

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