Siegenite with Galena

Unknown Owner

Bright lustrous metallic sharply formed crystals of siegenite measuring to 0.5 cm in size on matrix with galena. In good condition, this is excellent for the species. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video and would date to the very early 20th century. Mining in Littfeld, North Rhine Westphalia, Germany took place within the Siegerland mining district, a region known for iron ore extraction dating back to medieval times. The area worked siderite rich veins hosted in Devonian sedimentary rocks, and numerous small underground mines supplied iron for local smelting and forging industries. Production expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries with improved drainage and transport, contributing to the industrial growth of western Germany. Although large scale operations ended in the 20th century as resources were depleted and competition increased, Littfeld remains historically associated with the long iron mining tradition of the Siegerland district.