Pyrargyrite from Samson Mine, St Andreasberg, Lower Saxony, Germany

$1,650.00

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Bright lustrous crystals of pyrargyrite measuring to 0.5 cm in size on matrix with rich micro crystallized sternbergite and minor arsenopyrite. In good condition with minimal damage present, an excellent historical specimen. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video, this label would date to the very early 20th century. The Samson Mine at St Andreasberg in the Harz Mountains of Germany was one of the most important historic silver mines in central Europe, with activity dating back to the 16th century. The mine worked rich hydrothermal vein deposits hosted in metamorphic rocks and produced silver bearing galena along with other sulfide minerals. It became known for its advanced underground engineering and deep shafts, which at one time made it among the deepest mines in the world. Although commercial mining ended in the early 20th century, the Samson Mine is now preserved as a museum and remains famous for classic mineral specimens from the Andreasberg district.