Dachang Sb ore field

Qinglong County, Qianxinan, Guizhou, China

大厂锑矿田, 晴隆县, 黔西南布依族苗族自治州, 贵州省, 中国

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

The Dachang Sb ore field is in Qinglong County, Qianxinan, Guizou, China, a region known for its scenic beauty and cultural richness.
It produces antimony and gold, with uncommon minerals like ottensite and cyanotrichite, appealing to crystal enthusiasts.
Research suggests the ore formed in a sedimentary basin altered by hydrothermal fluids, with a history of mining likely starting mid-20th century.
The area is culturally vibrant, influenced by Buyei and Miao traditions, with festivals and crafts as local highlights.
The climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers, supporting diverse flora and fauna, though not directly linked to mineral formation.

Geographic Location

The Dachang Sb ore field is located in Qinglong County, part of the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Guizou Province, China. Guizou lies in southwestern China, near the borders with Yunnan and Guangxi, known for its mountainous terrain and cultural diversity.

Minerals Produced

This ore field is primarily known for antimony (Sb) and gold (Au), formed through epithermal processes. It also hosts uncommon minerals like ottensite and cyanotrichite, alongside stibnite, senarmontite, valentinite, pyrite, and fluorite, offering unique finds for enthusiasts.

Geological Structure

The ore field sits in the Youjiang basin, a sedimentary basin, with host rocks altered by hydrothermal fluids. This geological setting, shaped by tectonic and hydrothermal activities, explains the formation of its mineral deposits.

Mining History

While specific dates are unclear, mining in Guizou has a long history, and the Dachang Sb ore field likely began operations in the mid-20th century, serving as a significant antimony source in the region.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Qinglong County is home to the Buyei and Miao ethnic groups, known for vibrant festivals, traditional foods, and crafts like silver jewelry and embroidered clothing. These cultural elements enrich the visitor experience, connecting to the area's heritage.

Climate and Ecology

The region has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters (5-10°C) and hot, humid summers (25-30°C), and rainfall year-round, peaking in summer. The ecology features diverse flora and fauna, typical of the subtropical environment, though not directly tied to mineral formation.