Siderite

Unknown Owner

Disc-shaped crystals of siderite measuring to 1.2 cm in size covering the top of a sphalerite rich matrix. This is in very good condition. Classic material for the species and locality.The Eagle Mine near Gilman in Eagle County, Colorado was a major producer of zinc, lead, copper, and silver from the late 19th century until its closure in 1984. The deposit occurs as replacement bodies and veins hosted in limestone of the Leadville Formation within the central Colorado mineral belt. Underground mining operations expanded through the 20th century and the mine became one of the most productive base metal mines in the region. The site later became known for environmental contamination issues, and extensive cleanup work has been carried out as part of a federal remediation program.