Bournonite with Sphalerite, Dolomite, Quartz - image 1

Bournonite with Sphalerite, Dolomite, Quartz

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Attractive antique specimen from this old mining district with crystals of lustrous glassy colorless quartz measuring to 3.0 cm in size across the top of matrix with metallic crystallized bournonite, black sphalerite, and minor dolomite. There is a lot of bournonite present. In good condition with minimal damage present as seen, the specimen comes with an antique label that dates this piece to the very early 20th century. Mining in Cavnic, Maramures County, Romania has a long history dating back to medieval times when the region became an important center for gold, silver, lead, and copper production in the Carpathian Mountains. The district hosts hydrothermal vein deposits cutting volcanic rocks, and numerous underground mines were developed to extract polymetallic ores rich in sulfide minerals. Mining activity expanded during the Austro Hungarian period and continued into the 20th century under state operation. Cavnic is also well known among mineral collectors for fine specimens of minerals such as stibnite, realgar, sphalerite, and barite from this classic Romanian mining district.