Chalcopyrite with Dolomite

Unknown Owner

Brilliant lustrous golden crystals of chalcopyrite very rich across the top of a matrix with crystallized dolomite. Some damage present, this still very nice considering the overall size of this piece and the fact that this dates back well over 100 years. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video dating this to the early 20th century. Grube Stahlberg in Siegen (Muesen, Hilchenbach) was one of the oldest iron ore mines in the Siegerland region, first mentioned in a document dated May 4, 1313. It grew from early surface mining of a rich iron ore deposit into a major underground operation, with significant expansions, new water drainage adits, and steam power added by the mid 1800s. At its peak the mine employed hundreds and produced iron, copper and other ores, but ore reserves dwindled and it was closed in 1931. Today part of the old workings, the Stahlberger Erbstollen, is a tourist show mine with an attached museum preserving the mining history of the area.