Description du produit

This specimen of Galena and Sphalerite with superb and brilliant crystals, coming from the famous Kamioka mine in Toyama prefecture in Japan, tells a mineralogical but also environmental story. The mine, operated mainly for zinc and lead, is notorious for cadmium pollution causing the itaiitai-itai disease, aie-aie. Mining discharges contaminated the Jinzu river, soils and rice fields downstream, permanently exposing populations to cadmium. A geological, historical and memory-laden specimen that bears witness to the link between mineral wealth and industrial impact.

Kamioka Mine, Hida, Gifu, Japan

4,70 x 4,30 x 2,50 cm

50 grammes