143 mm Orthoclase, Hematite, Asbestos and Hornblende from Malmberget

$ 149.99

ID20041

Location:

Malmberget, Gällivare, Norrbotten, Sweden

https://www.mindat.org/loc-10629.html

Size: 143x120x77 mm (1070 gr.)

Description

Nice combination of Hornblende, Asbestos and Hematite on Orthoclase. This specimen was a part of my father's collection that he had for display, but due to space, I need to let it go.

The specimen is undamaged.

It has big Orthoclase crystals. There is some Asbestos at the front, but most of the Asbestos is on the underside, as seen in the last 2 pictures.

Please also watch the video for a better view.
https://youtu.be/nfQrwIDi8mk

I am not sure when it was collected, but I assume about 20-30 years ago.

Location:

Malmberget has one of the largest underground mines for ore in the world and the second-largest in Sweden. The deepest point is 1390 meters below ground. Annual production is over 5 million tonnes of iron ore.

There is a big variety of crystals and minerals found in the mines:
https://www.mindat.org/loc-10629.html

Sometimes the miners hit pockets with crystals, but seldom they are collected as it would slow the work. Luckily there are workers who are trying to save/collect the most interesting stuff.

My father had friends in the mining companies in Sweden and traded minerals directly from them. Most of the stuff he got was back about 15-25 years ago. Much of this material is now long gone, and seldom seen on the market.