The ore body is a typical mixture of predominantly siderite with veins of galenite, sphalerite and minor amounts of chalcopyrite typically formed during the later phases of the Variscan orogeny. The base rock consists of schists and siltstone from the Lower Devonian (upper Siegen). Quarz-bearing intrusions are rather rare.

Ancient mining for silver-bearing galena and lead started in the 15th century. However, mining activities in the area are recorded as early as the 13th century.
In the 19th century the mine re-worked the mining dumps to exploit the zinc-ore (sphalerite). Between 1920 and 1925 a last attempt was started to mine for iron-ore (siderite - "Spateisen"). The success was very limited and eventually the mine was closed on 4 November 1925.

The old "upper adit" was re-opened beginning in 1997 and finally the mine opened as a tourist mine in 1999. Additionally a mining trail was established in 2001.
In 2011 a new visitor center was opened presenting a collection of local minerals and mining artefacts. More info can be found here => https://www.grube-silberhardt.de/ (web page is in German language only).

Besides the now open old "upper adit", several deeper levels are documented down to the 156 m-level. But there is also a higher level which is likely the oldest part of the mine.

The old dumps from the active mining area were removed or used as filling material in the surrounding area in the decades after closure.
Almost all material produced during the re-opening was also removed and used for road-works.
There are no known specimens in collections coming from the active production period. All minerals shown here were found in the museum's repository with material coming from the re-opening works.

Other Databases

Wikipedia:	https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grube_Silberhardt
Wikidata ID:	Q1550113

Mindat Articles

The Silberhardt Mine - a short overview of the history and geology by Marc Remmert

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References