Aragonite with Sulfur from Giumentaro Mine TF1261

Aragonite with Sulfur from Giumentaro Mine
Approx. Dimensions: 5x2.5x2.5 inches
Approx. Weight: 329 grams
Locality: Giumentaro Mine, Capodarso, Enna Province, Sicily, Italy

This aragonite specimen from the Giumentaro Mine features well-formed crystals with a warm, natural luster, and in some pieces, striking associations with native sulfur. The contrast between aragonite and bright yellow sulfur adds visual interest, while the mineral’s structure gives the specimens a distinctive, sculptural appearance. Notably, the aragonite from this locality is phosphorescent, continuing to glow briefly after exposure to light.

The Giumentaro Mine, located in Sicily, Italy, is best known for its classic sulfur and associated minerals formed in an evaporite-rich environment. Aragonite from this locality is collected not only for its aesthetic crystal forms but also for its luminescent behavior, making these specimens especially appealing to collectors who value unusual optical properties and classic European localities.

The Giumentaro Mine was one of Sicily’s historic sulfur-producing operations, active primarily from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century during the height of Italy’s sulfur mining industry. Sulfur from mines like Giumentaro played a key role in agriculture and industry, particularly for fertilizer and chemical production, and today the mine is best remembered by collectors for the classic mineral specimens it produced rather than its commercial output.