Name 1
MOULD SUPERFICIAL LAYERS OF CINNABAR – POOR ORE
Name 2
/
ID number
002.51.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-910
Type of Object
Ore deposit
Description
Short description
The sample is irregularly shaped and grey. The fundamental rock is oolitic limestone with normal contact with marl on one side. The mould superficial layers of cinnabar on micro-fractures can be observed in the limestone. The contact with marl is well mineralised. We can also observe the very tiny mercury drops.
Measures
Length 25 cm, width 16 cm, height 10 cm.
Materials
Oolitic limestone, mould superficial layers of cinnabar, mineralisation, native mercury.
Dating
Triassic, Scythian - Induan, slate level of oolitic limestones
Author / Producer
/
Picture attachments
Original use
The mineralisation in the oolitic limestones is of epigenetic type. In both phases of hydrothermal activity, in addition to stronger open delivery faults, several fractures, on which the hydrothermal solutions with mercury flowed in, were formed. The oolitic limestone next to the faults and fractures was particularly favourable for the formation of cinnabar impregnations. In many cases, the oolitic limestones were very richly impregnated and steel ores, brick ores and very rich ores were formed. In our case, it is a poor mineralisation with mould superficial layers of cinnabar on tiny fractures. The contact between the limestone and marl enclosing rock was favourable for the formation of rich impregnations.
Present use
The described specimen is being preserved, secured and presented as important natural heritage of mining in Idrija with exceptional universal values. It also represents one of the natural features of the 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, lower pit layers.
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