Chalcocite with Calcite

Unknown Owner

Fine old time German specimen with crystals of chalcocite fairly well formed in measuring to 0.5 cm in size across the top of matrix with massive calcite. This is in good condition. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video. The specimen dates to the very early 20th century, if not the latter part of the 19th century. The Hohenthal shaft was one of several operations developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries to extract copper shale from underground workings in the Mansfeld basin. Mining in the Helbra area formed part of the long industrial history of the Mansfeld copper district, which operated until the late 20th century.