Willemite, Calcite, Sphalerite, Fluorite - Garpenberg Mine, Sweden

Contributed by: Mark Cole
Date: Apr 11th, 2026
Locality: Garpenberg Norra Mine, Garpenberg, Hedemora, Dalarna County, Sweden (See on Mindat)
Size: 2.5 x 0.5 x 4 inches
Weight: 6.2 oz

Description:
The Garpenberg mine is located in Berglagen, a very old mining area in the southern part of Sweden. As early as 800 AD iron, silver and copper were mined. Today zinc, lead and silver ores are mined with copper and gold as by-products. The sulfide deposits at Garpenberg are distributed over 4 km, in several ore bodies found in complexly folded and faulted limestone, within an Early Proterozoic felsic volcanic succession. The stratigraphic succession is attributed to the volcanic cycle of a felsic caldera complex. The limestone hosting the ore is a stromatolitic carbonate, formed in a shallow, marine environment during a lull in volcanism. The ores formed by replacing the limestone and impregnating in veins of the volcanic rocks.

The mine is very active today and is one of Europe\'s most progressive underground mining operations. Collecting is not possible, and the few specimens that reach collector\'s hands are highly prized. The mineralogy is quite similar to that of Franklin, New Jersey. This specimen has willemite fluorescing green, calcite red/orange, sphalerite orange and what is assumed to be fluorite fluorescing blue. The fluorescent response is quite remarkable under all wavelengths.

From the collection of T. Österberg.

Originally posted by Mark Cole on Nature's Rainbows in 2017.