Chalcopyrite, Baryte

This classic German specimen comes from the renowned Dreislar Mine in Sauerland, a celebrated locality for baryte. It features lustrous, creamy-white, tabular baryte blades beautifully complemented by iridescent, brassy chalcopyrite crystals. The chalcopyrite displays exceptional lustre and vibrant flashes of colour.

Mining at the site dates back to 1870, initially for lead, zinc, and copper ores, though these efforts were abandoned shortly after. Subsequent attempts to develop the deposit in the 1920s were halted due to economic challenges. Full-scale operations began in the mid-1950s as baryte prices rose, and the mine continued until its closure in 2007, having been explored to a depth of approximately 400 meters.

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