2.1" Sphalerite, Quartz, Calcite & Chalcopyrite Association - Bulgaria

This incredible mineral association displays a wonderful mix of sphalerite, calcite, quartz, and a chalcopyrite included matrix. An unusual tabular-like calcite crystal aggregation can be found on the top of the specimen, seemingly laying on its side.

This specimen has been stabilized.

The Madan ore fields are located in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, near its border with Greece. This long stretch of mountain range in southeastern Europe is home to a variety of incredible minerals: sulfides in particular show a great variety here. The sulfides pyrite and arsenopyrite, both mined consistently from the Rhodopes, sometimes also contain gold ore. However, they also typically contain relatively high amounts of cyanide. Because of this, these sulfides must undergo an additional cyanide extraction process before the gold can be extracted and used.

Other sulfides like galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite can be found throughout this mountain range in all shapes and sizes.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Sphalerite, Quartz, Calcite & Chalcopyrite
LOCATION
Borieva mine, Madan ore field, Bulgaria.
SIZE
2.1" long, 2.1" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#41754