Name 1
SLATE ORE – SLATE WITH NATIVE MERCURY
Name 2
/
ID number
002.53.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-1396
Type of Object
Ore deposit
Description
Short description
Slate with native mercury. The specimen is irregularly shaped and dark grey to black.
Measures
Length 15 cm, width 12 cm, height 8 cm.
Materials
Slate claystone, native mercury.
Dating
Carbon
Author / Producer
/
Picture attachments
Original use
Carbon slates are mineralised with native mercury and cinnabar. At first sight it often seems that native mercury is prevailing and mould of superficial layers of cinnabar are barely noticeable. Experience show, that during the time of carbon slate, the ratio of native mercury and cinnabar in carbon rock was approximately 1:1. The sand and pyrite lenses were very richly mineralised (over 10%), however the mineralisation in carbon rocks was estimated as a good low-quality ore (30% of Hg). The formation of mineralisation in carbon slate has not yet been fully discovered. Definitely, a lot of mercury remained in its native form, due to lack of sulfur in hydrothermal solutions. The majority of native mercury was definitely formed at the end of the second hydrothermal phase.
Present use
The described slate 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, upper pit layers, Karbon MF, III main level.
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