Jiepaiyu Mine

The Jiepaiyu Mine is nestled in Shimen County, part of Changde City in Hunan Province, China, approximately 33 km northwest of Shimen town. This region is characterized by the Wuling Mountains, with Mount Huping, the highest point in Hunan at 2,098.7 meters, adding to its scenic beauty. Nearby attractions include the Hupingshan National Nature Reserve and Mengquan lake, making it a fascinating area for both mineral enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The mine is renowned for realgar (red) and orpiment (yellow), arsenic minerals historically used in medicine and highly sought after by collectors. It also yields calcite, fluorite, quartz, and rare thallium sulfosalts. The deposit is a carbonate-hosted arsenic type, formed through low-temperature hydrothermal processes in limestone or dolomite rocks, offering a glimpse into the region's complex geological history.

With a history spanning over 1,500 years, the mine began operations by at least the 6th century AD, initially for medicinal arsenic compounds, and now for high-quality mineral specimens. Shimen County, home to the Tujia people, an ethnic minority with distinct culture and language, enriches the area with traditional festivals and cuisine, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.

The area enjoys a subtropical climate with cool, damp winters and hot, humid summers, receiving 1,200 to 1,700 mm of annual rainfall. This supports a diverse ecosystem, particularly in the mountainous forests, which are home to various flora and fauna, adding to the region's ecological appeal.