Verkhnee Tin deposit
Karadubsky ore field, Kavalerovsky District, Primorsky Krai, Russia
Верхнее месторождение
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Verkhnee Tin deposit is located in Kavalerovsky District, Primorsky Krai, Russia, in the Far East near China and North Korea, close to the mining city of Dalnegorsk.
It primarily produces tin as cassiterite, with rare earth minerals like gasparite-(Ce) also present, which may interest crystal enthusiasts.
Research suggests it is a hydrothermal deposit linked to granite, formed through geological processes involving hot, mineral-rich fluids.
Mining history details are limited, but it seems likely tin extraction has been significant in the region, possibly by companies like Khrustalnenskaya Tin Extracting Company.
The local culture is shaped by mining, with a temperate monsoon climate of cold winters and warm, humid summers, potentially affecting mining operations.
Geographic Location
The Verkhnee Tin deposit lies in the Kavalerovsky District of Primorsky Krai, Russia, a region in the Far East bordering China and North Korea. This area is known for its mining activities, particularly tin, and is near the city of Dalnegorsk, another notable mining center, enhancing its appeal for mineral enthusiasts exploring the region.
Minerals Produced
The deposit is rich in tin, primarily as cassiterite (SnO2), a key mineral for crystal collectors. It also contains rare earth minerals like gasparite-(Ce), adding an unexpected layer of interest for those seeking unique specimens. Other minerals, such as fluorite and calcite, are likely present, reflecting the deposit's hydrothermal nature.
Geological Structure and Formation
Research suggests the Verkhnee Tin deposit is a hydrothermal deposit associated with granite intrusions, formed through hot, mineral-rich fluids cooling and depositing minerals in greisen zones or pegmatites. This geological setting is typical for tin deposits, offering a fascinating study for enthusiasts interested in the earth's deep processes.
Mining History
While specific details are scarce, the evidence leans toward significant tin mining in Primorsky Krai, possibly involving the Verkhnee Tin deposit. Companies like Khrustalnenskaya Tin Extracting Company and Vostok Mining Company are known to operate in the region, suggesting a history of extraction that may continue today, though exact start dates and methods remain unclear.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Primorsky Krai's culture is influenced by its mining heritage and geographic isolation, with the local economy likely centered on mineral extraction. The Kavalerovsky District, while not extensively documented, shares this mining-focused identity, offering a unique cultural backdrop for enthusiasts visiting the area.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is temperate monsoon, with cold, dry winters (average January temperatures -8°C to -18°C) and warm, humid summers (up to 24°C in August), with 600-900 mm annual precipitation. This climate may affect mining operations, such as seasonal access, but doesn't directly influence mineral formation. The district's ecology, with extensive forests, supports diverse wildlife, adding to its natural allure.