Whewellite with Ankerite, Pyrite
specimen number:
1052471
location:
Sylvester Mine, Urbeis, Selestat-Erstein, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, France
description: Whewellite is a calcium oxalate mineral that typically forms as colorless to white crystals or crusts and is commonly associated with organic processes in natural environments. It can develop in caves, soils, and on rock surfaces where organic material contributes to its formation. At the Sylvester Mine in Urbeis, located in the Bas Rhin area of Grand Est, France, whewellite has been reported in association with historic mining activity in a region known for polymetallic vein deposits. The geology of the area consists of hydrothermal mineralization within metamorphic rocks, where mining for metals such as lead and silver took place over several centuries. The Sylvester Mine was likely active during the main period of mining in the Vosges region from the 16th through the 18th centuries, with activity declining and most operations ceasing by the late 18th or early 19th century. In this environment, whewellite forms as a secondary mineral related to the alteration of organic rich material and interactions with mineralized rock, occurring as small crystals or coatings within mine workings and surrounding rock.
Colorless bladed crystallized grouping of whewellite measuring 2.5 cm in size on top of an ankerite crystal matrix with micro pyrite. An excellent old-time example for the species from a very old French locality. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video. These are rarely seen available on today's market.
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