Dabaoshan Polymetallic Mine

China · Guangdong

The Dabaoshan Mine (大宝山多金属矿) in Guangdong is a large polymetallic deposit (copper–lead–zinc–iron) that yields pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and magnetite.

About Dabaoshan Polymetallic Mineextended article

A large polymetallic deposit

The Dabaoshan deposit in the Shaoguan area of northern Guangdong is a large copper–lead–zinc–iron polymetallic system with skarn and porphyry-style mineralisation. It has been a significant base-metal producer for the region.

What Dabaoshan is known for

  • Pyrite and chalcopyrite
  • Sphalerite and galena
  • Magnetite, scheelite, and associated quartz, fluorite, and calcite

Collector value

Well-formed pyrite and sphalerite, and sulfide combination pieces, are the most collectable Dabaoshan material. As with most working base-metal mines, specimen recovery is secondary to ore production, so fine crystallised pieces are the exception rather than the rule.