SCHALENBLENDE Galena, Wurtzite, Sphalerite, Pyrite, and Marcasite, Muetzhagen Mine, Lontzen, Liege, Wallonia, Belgium (Large cabinet)

Schalenblende is a lead-zinc ore characterized by its compact, layered structure, which includes minerals such as Galena, Wurtzite, Sphalerite, Pyrite, and Marcasite. The identification of these minerals is straightforward: Wurtzite appears yellow, Sphalerite is brown, Galena is silver, while Pyrite and Marcasite are grey and gold, respectively. Galena is the predominant mineral, contributing to the high density of the ore. Schalenblende is believed to have formed approximately 135 million years ago from a sulfide-rich liquid that crystallized rapidly at low temperatures, a process that was uncommon in ancient geological history, making the ore relatively rare. First identified by J.D. Dana in 1892, the name Schalenblende derives from the German words for "to cover" or "to hide," reflecting the concealed minerals within its layered structure. Significant deposits of Schalenblende are primarily found in Northern Europe, particularly in Belgium, Poland, and Germany, with smaller occurrences in Italy, the United States, Spain, France, and Canada.

 

Origin: Muetzhagen Mine, Lontzen, Liege, Wallonia, Belgium
Size: 130 80 7 mm