Name 1
DOLOMITE WITH CROSS SECTION OF A SNAIL
Name 2
/
ID number
002.58.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-890
Type of Object
Ore deposit
Description
Short description
The dolomite sample is irregularly shaped and black. In it, a beautiful snail cross section occurs. Its shell is made of white dolomite. One surface of the sample is slightly tectonically smoothed. Poor and small mould superficial layers of cinnabar appear on it.
Measures
Length 11 cm, width 7 cm, height 7 cm.
Materials
Rock, snail cross section
Dating
Upper Permian dolomite
Author / Producer
/
Picture attachments
Original use
The rock in which the snail cross section is observed is Upper Permian layered dolomite. It was formed in the restrictive continental shelf sea environment with plenty of bituminous material. The Upper Permian dolomite was a common rock in the Idrija ore deposit. Dolomites were mineralised, but mostly as a poor ore. Dolomite is early diagenetic and several fossils (corals, shells, limestone algae) were preserved in it, among them also the Upper Permian leading snail Bellerophon (Bellerophontidae family). Specially curved shells, which were usually only a few centimeters large, were typical for this type of snail.
Present use
The described specimen is being preserved, secured and presented as interesting natural heritage of mining in Idrija with exceptional universal values. It 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, lower part of the 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
2. 3. 2018
Date Edited
Never