002.36.Idrija

Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, 5280 Idrija

Public

Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija

510:IDR;G-771, G-774, G-778–G-781, G-858, G-885, G-897, G-910, G-913, G-918, G-926–G-928, G-933, G-935, G-956, G-976, G-992, G-993, G-1013, G-1014, G-1017, G-1054, G-1145–G-1147, G-1149–G-1151, G-1154–G-1157, G-1230–G-1232, G-1238, G-1288, G-1289, G-1299, G-1318, G-1320, G-1330, G-1370, G-1381–G-1385, G-1389, G-1391, G-1393, G-1397, G-1398, G-1400, G-1402–G-1404;
Steel ore: 510:IDR;G-952, G-1007, G-1101, G-1173, G-1174, G-1175, G-1185–G-1188, G-1191–G-1194, G-1236, G-1282–G-1284, G-1287, G-1290, G-1292, G-2909, G-2910;
Liver ore: 510:IDR;G-1005, G-1112, G-1176–G-1178; G-1189, G-1190, G-1196, G-1229, G-1297, G-2689
Brick ore: 510:IDR;G-1006, G-1181, G-1182, G-1285, G-1286, G-1295;
Coral ore: G-1008, G-1009, G-1094, G-1144, G-1234, G-1235, G-1273–G-1281;
Karoli ore: 510:IDR;G-977–G-989, G-1010–G-1012, G-1922;
Sedimentary ore: G-1293, G-1294.

Ore deposit

The collection contains 144 ore specimens. These are available in different shapes, shades and combinations. Most samples are of irregular shapes and different sizes. The collection contains the biggest number of very rich and rich mineralised syngenetic and epigenetic steel ore, liver ores, brick ore and coral ores. Rich ores are also presented by sedimentary ores with characteristic sedimentary textures. In poor ores (bašperh), the cinnabar mineralisation occurs in the form of thinner layers, veins, mould of superficial layers or incorrect impregnations. The dolomite breccia specimen is special, because the binder is entirely substituted with cinnabar. Some ore specimens are transected and polished.

144 samples of different dimensions

Cinnabar ore, mineralised rocks, organic binder, minerals and crystals, native mercury.

Mid-Triassic tectonic rift with mercury ore deposit started to gradually form 242 million years ago and achieved its final form 238 million years ago.

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The Idrija ore deposit is of low temperature (from 218° to 160°) hydrothermal creation. Mercury mineralisation occurred in two stages. The first phase was held at an earlier stage of Idrija tectonic rift formation, in the time of the formation of the oldest Ladinian rocks (kaolinite layers). Inflow of hydrothermal solutions was scarce, so the small epigenetic ore bodies formed next to the faults and veins, and the first syngenetic mineralisation in the then wetland. In the second period of mineralisation formation, which was carried out at the end of the Ladinian period, extremely large quantities of mercury were flowed in the tectonic rift. Next to many open faults and fractures, extensive and rich epigenetic ore bodies were formed. Simultaneously with the formation of wetland Skonca beds, a significant part of the hydrothermal solutions flowed in the lagoon wetlands at the time, where the unique syngenetic sedimentary layered cinnabar ores with various sedimentary textures were formed.

The mercury ores are being preserved, secured and presented as important natural heritage of Idrija ore deposit with exceptional universal values. They are a part of the geological collection of the Idrija Municipal Museum. The collection includes only the samples which represent Idrija typical types of cinnabar mineralisation or in one way or another present unique specimens of ores. The selection of ores thoroughly and professionally represents the ore wealth of the Idrija ore deposit. Visitors can view most of the ore samples within the permanent museum exhibition “Five Centuries of the Mercury Mine and the Town of Idrija”. The rest of them are stored in the drawers under the display cases, therefore the exhibits can be replaced as needed. They can also be used for different temporary exhibitions or different types of mercury heritage promotions.

The cinnabar ore samples are from different ore bodies from the I to XIV main levels of the Idrija Mine. The most beautiful syngenetic sedimentary ore come from the Kropáč–Ziljska mining fields (MF) between the Anthony's Main Road and the II inter-level and Turniš MF from the I main level. Very rich steel ores and brick ores of epigenetic type from Grübler MF, Dolomitne plošče EF (Dolomite plates) and MF Rop–Koželj from the lower pit between the IX and XIV main levels.

Idrija Municipal Museum, the Geological Collection (showroom 2 and 3).

The described specimens are appropriately preserved. The entire geological collection was renewed, professionally completed and placed in the renovated premises of Idrija Municipal Museum in 1992. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

1. 3. 2018

Never