Description
This is a super and uncommon combo of well developed Quartz and Dolomite from the famous Trimouns Talc Mine of Luzenac, France, well known for its wide range of minerals and many rarities. Both species here are sharp edged, transparent and highly lustrous. The Quartz features a beautiful horizontal striation as well. Established in 1905, the vast talc quarry of Trimouns (Carrière de talc de Trimouns) is situated at 1800m altitude above the Ax valley in the commune of Luzenac in the Ariège department of Occitanie in southwestern France. It produces 400,000 tons of talc per year, employing 310 permanent workers and 110 seasonal workers. Because of its high elevation, the activity at the quarry is restricted to the period from April to November, but the factory functions year-round using the talc extracted during the warmer months. (mindat)