Fankou Pb-Zn Mine
The Fankou Mine (凡口铅锌矿) in Guangdong is one of China's largest lead-zinc deposits, a source of lustrous galena, sphalerite, pyrite, and well-formed calcite.
About Fankou Pb-Zn Mineextended article
A major Chinese lead-zinc deposit
The Fankou deposit in Renhua County, Shaoguan, northern Guangdong, is one of the largest and highest-grade lead–zinc mines in China. The carbonate-hosted ore body yields a classic sulfide assemblage together with fine carbonate crystals.
What Fankou is known for
- Galena — lustrous, well-formed crystals
- Sphalerite and pyrite
- Calcite, dolomite, fluorite, and quartz
- Marcasite from the sulfide zone
Collector value
Sharp galena and sphalerite, and contrasting sulfide-on-calcite combination pieces, are the most collectable Fankou specimens. Crystal lustre, sharpness, and matrix balance drive value.