wonders of kremikovtzi mineral diversity of kremikovtzi iron mine

WONDERS OF KREMIKOVTZI
MINERAL DIVERSITY OF KREMIKOVTZI IRON MINE, PRESERVED IN
PRIVET COLLECTIONS
ZLATI ZLATEV*, ELENA NEYKOVA, ANKA RUSINOVA
*Bulgarian Lapidary Club, Sofia University
Kremikovtzi iron mine is one of the famous mineral deposits in Bulgaria with more than 85
different minerals, found there. From late sixties till 2009 open pit was mined and thousands mineral
specimens were collected and preserved in museums and privet collections (Fig.1)
Fig.1. Kremikovtzi, 2009
During the last 30 years some of the best specimens founds were made by privet collectors. In
collections of Dimitar Ivanov, Dimitar Stoyanov, Zlati Zlatev and Angel Angelov (1918-2003, now
his collection is in Sofia University museum) are presented all main mineral species and many
rarities and new founds like Mn-norsethite. Because of the specifics of privet collecting main focus
is on the beauty, crystal shapes, color and size of minerals. This reason is main pillar, which
concentrate in privet collections really some of the best samples, found in the mine. (Fig.2)
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Fig.2. Collectors: Angel Angelov, Zlati Zlatev, Dimitar Ivanov, Dimitar Stoyanov
Barite, as top mineral in Kremikovtzi, is presented in many different faces. The 4 morphological
types of secondary barite show different colors and sizes (Zlatev, 1997, thesis). Unique founds of
1989 and 1992 are good examples of passion and hard work, done in heavy condition of open mine.
We are proud to say, that some of best specimens, fond there, now are not only in privet hands, but
also in all Bulgarian mineralogical museums. (Fig.3,4,5)
Fig. 3. Barite, collectors: Zlati Zlatev and Dimitar Ivanov
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Fig.4. Barite (microphotos), collectors: Zlati Zlatev and Dimitar Ivanov
Fig.5. Barite, collector Dimitar Stojanov
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Carbonates are the second biggest group, which focused collector’s interest. Calcite (Фиг.6, 7),
rhodochrosite (Фиг.8), witherite (Фиг.9), azurite (Фиг.10), malachite (Фиг.11) and Mn-norsethite
(Фиг.12, 13) show unique morphology. Botryoidal carbonates are some kind of trade mark for
deposits and still wait for detailed scientific study.
Fig.6. Calcite, collectors: Zlati Zlatev and Dimitar Ivanov
Fig. 7. Calcite (in situ)
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Fig. 8. Rhodochrosite (microphotos), collectors: Zlati Zlatev, Angel Angelov
Fig. 9. Witherite (microphotos), collectors: Zlati Zlatev and Dimitar Ivanov
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Fig.10. Azurite (microphotos), collector Dimitar Ivanov
Fig.11. Malachite (microphotos), collector Dimitar Ivanov
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Fig. 12. Mn-norsethite, collector Zlati Zlatev
Fig. 13. Mn-norsethite, collector Dimitar Ivanov
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Fe- and Mn-oxides and hydroxides (Фиг.14, 15, 16) are other of famous species in Kremikovtzi.
„Glass kopf” type of aggregates are one of the best in the world, Glossy and shining faces are
remarkable and any collector is proud to have this type of specimens in his collections.
Fig. 14. Fe oxides and hydroxides, collectors: Zlati Zlatev, Dimitar Ivanov
Fig. 15. Fe oxides and hydroxides, collectors: Zlati Zlatev, Dimitar Ivanov
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Fig. 16. Mn oxides and hydroxides, collectors: Zlati Zlatev, Dimitar Ivanov
Other rarities, as superb aggregates of Native Cu and shining marcasites (Фиг.17) are also
preserved in privet hands.
Fig. 17. Native Cu and shining marcasites, collectors: Angel Angelov and Zlati Zlatev
Now Kremikovtzi mine is closed and floated and there is no anymore possibility to collect
minerals there. Because that any collected specimen now is extremely important and role of privet
collectors and their treasures is guarantee, that in the future mineral diversity of this deposit will be
kept and preserved.
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