002.38.Idrija

Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, 5280 Idrija

Public

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

Idrialine: G-1139, G-1223‒G-1227, G-1231, G-1232, G-1333‒G-1335, G-1357, G-1358, G-1364‒G-1367, G-1377; Flint: G-990, G-993; Metacinnabarite: G-1067, G-1394, G-1395, G-2872; Epsomite: G-1411, G-1417‒G-1420; Fluorite: G-1359; Chalcedony: G-2394, G-2395, G-2454; Pyrite: G-1350‒G-1356, G-1371, G-1373‒G-1375, G-1400; Gypsum: G-889, G-1405, G-1409, G-1422; Pilolite: G-1348, G-1360‒G-1363, G-2559; Calcite crystals: G-1320‒G-1327, G-1336, G-1340; Crystals of cinnabar: G-1379, G-1401, G-2215; dolomite crystals: G-1332; G-1337, G-1339, G-1341‒G-1347; Cinnabar sinter: G-1381–G-1384; Marcasite: G-2111, G-2112, G-2113, G-2144.

Ore deposit

The mineral collection includes 85 specimens. Minerals are in their characteristic crystal syngonies and colours. We also have to mention metacinnabarite and Idrialite, which are specific Idrija minerals, but are also very rare in the Idrija ore deposit. Of the secondary minerals, we will mention only epsomite and melanterite, which grow vigorously in the form stalactites and various sinter-like coatings. Epsomite is also found in the shape of attractive thread crystals. Primary minerals are often accompanied by mercury drops.

85 specimens of different dimensions

Primary and secondary minerals

Sedimentary minerals were formed simultaneously with the formation of rock in which they are located. Hydrothermal minerals are related to the mid-Triassic hydrothermal activity in Ladinian, approximately 238 million years.

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The Idrija ore deposit is monometallic and monomineralic. Only a cinnabar mineral and native mercury are found in economical amounts. Until now, 25 different minerals were discovered in the ore deposit. According to the genesis, we distinguish sedimentary (gypsum, fluorite, sulfur), hydrothermal and secondary minerals. Minerals of hydrothermal formation (cinnabar, pyrite, quartz) are especially important, however the minerals in oxidation level (epsomite, melanterite) are also interesting. Basic rocks, on which various minerals appear, are rocks (from Carbon to Ladinian) through which hydrothermal solutions could flow next to the Triassic faults and fractures. Minerals can occur as massive non-crystallised gels, but are usually in the form of wide veins, tiny crystal impregnations, crusts, coatings, and mould superficial layers and more or less regular and differently big crystals and crystal clusters. Pyrite and marcasite are also found in the form of differently big concretions. The most frequent are crusts, coatings, clusters and small geodes of tiny crystals of cinnabar, dolomite, calcite, pyrite and quartz.

The Idrija ore deposit’s minerals are being preserved, secured and presented as important natural heritage of mining in Idrija with exceptional universal values. They are a part of the geological collection of the Idrija Municipal Museum. Some specimens were donated to the Municipal Museum by amateur collectors. Specimens of siderotile and Idrialite, which were first found and described in Idrija, have especially added value. Visitors can view most of the described specimens 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 types of mercury heritage promotions.

Minerals were found on different levels between Anthony's Main Road and the XIV level and also on several mining fields in the upper and the lower part of the Idrija ore deposit. Exact locations of most samples are not known.

Idrija Municipal Museum, the Geological Collection (showroom 2, 3 and 4).

The minerals are appropriately preserved. The entire geological collection was professionally completed and placed in the renovated premises of the 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

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