Where is Scheelite with Quartz and Pyrite found?
CaWO4 (Scheelite), SiO2 (Quartz), FeS2 (Pyrite)
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Open the appScheelite with Quartz and Pyrite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Scheelite with Quartz and Pyrite
China
Major producer of tungsten, with significant scheelite deposits found in various provinces, often associated with quartz veins and sulfide mineralization.
South Korea
Historically significant scheelite deposits, such as the Sangdong mine, known for high-grade scheelite-quartz-pyrite veins.
United States
California (Pine Creek Mine), Nevada, and Colorado have notable scheelite occurrences, often in skarn and hydrothermal vein deposits.
Canada
Yukon Territory and British Columbia host scheelite-bearing skarns and hydrothermal veins.
Australia
Tasmania and New South Wales have scheelite deposits, sometimes in association with quartz and sulfides.
Portugal
Historically important tungsten mining region, with scheelite found in quartz veins.
Collecting tips
- UV Light Detection. Scheelite is famously fluorescent under shortwave ultraviolet (SWUV) light, typically emitting a bright blue to yellowish-white glow. This is a primary identification tool in the field.
- Associated Minerals. Look for this assemblage in areas known for granitic intrusions, skarns, or greisen deposits. Other associated minerals might include fluorite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, and various silicates.
- Specific Gravity Test. Scheelite has a relatively high specific gravity (5.9-6.1), which can help distinguish it from lighter gangue minerals like quartz.
- Hardness Test. Scheelite (4.5-5 Mohs) is softer than quartz (7 Mohs) but harder than many other common gangue minerals. Pyrite (6-6.5 Mohs) is harder than scheelite.
- Geological Context. Focus exploration efforts in areas with known tungsten mineralization or geological settings conducive to its formation, such as contact metamorphic aureoles around granites.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Scheelite: White to yellow; Quartz: Colorless to white; Pyrite: Brassy yellow
- Luster:
- Scheelite: Vitreous to adamantine; Quartz: Vitreous; Pyrite: Metallic
- Streak:
- Scheelite: White; Quartz: White; Pyrite: Greenish-black to brownish-black
Explore Scheelite with Quartz and Pyrite
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