Name 1
LIVER ORE
Name 2
/
ID number
002.43.Idrija
Manager / Administrator
Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija
Local / Original ID Number
510:IDR;G-1196
Type of Object
Ore deposit
Description
Short description
Liver ore is a mining name for very rich ores with a typical liver colour. The described sample is very richly mineralised, since its mercury content is estimated at around 40%. The ore is liver-coloured and in some places passes to brick ore (brick colour). It contains a bituminous slate vein. The sample is typically tectonically polished.
Measures
Length 10.5 cm, width 6.5 cm, height 3 cm.
Materials
Slate, cinnabar mineralisation.
Dating
The time of creation is unknown.
Author / Producer
/
Picture attachments
Original use
The liver ores are very rich cinnabar syngenetic sedimentary ores, which were formed simultaneously with Skonca beds in coastal lagoon wetland environment. Their formation is related with the second hydrothermal phase of Idrija ore deposit genesis at the end of Ladinian. Cinnabar is related to richly mineralised chalcedony grains and radiolaria (sea protozoan with differently shaped quartz skeleton), deposited in bituminous claystone or mudstone. In subsequent tectonic processes, the rocks were ruptured and differently big lenses, framed with slide plates, were formed. On the sliding surfaces, the ore gets its typical liver colour.
Present use
The described liver ore is being preserved, secured and presented as important natural heritage of mining in Idrija with exceptional universal values. The specimen represents one of the natural features of Idrija ore deposit. It is a part of the geological collection of Idrija Municipal Museum. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum exhibition “Five Centuries of the Mercury Mine and the Town of Idrija”. It can also be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions.
Original location
Idrija ore deposit
Present location
Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (showroom 3).
STATE OF CONSERVATION
History of conservation:
The specimen is 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.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible:
- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum.
Submitted
Mestni muzej Idrija
Submitted by
Miha Kosmač
Date Submitted
1. 3. 2018
Date Edited
Never