An operating open-cut mine, producing scheelite and magnetite, from the only presently operating mine in a series of related skarn deposits.
A magnetite-andradite-hedenbergite-vesuvianite-epidote skarn, it contains molybdenite and various Cu, Pb, As, Zn, Bi and Be minerals.
Famous for excellent andradite specimens.
Located 40 km south of Burnie in northwestern Tasmania.
At least four paragenetic stages of skarn formation and ore deposition have been recognized (Zaw et al., 2000): stage I, clinopyroxene ± garnet ± vesuvianite ± wollastonite ± quartz ± scheelite; stage II, garnet-vesuvianite-magnetite ± scheelite ± apatite ± quartz; stage III, magnetite-amphibole-epidote-fluorite-quartz ± chlorite ± garnet ± vesuvianite ± scheelite ± carbonate ± pyrite ± clinopyroxene; and stage IV, hematite ± fluorite ± calcite ± quartz.
References:
- K. Zaw, K. Zaw, and B. Singoyi (2000): Formation of magnetite-scheelite skarn mineralization at Kara, Northwestern Tasmania: Evidence from mineral chemistry and stable isotopes. Economic Geology, 95, 1215-1230.
- Sorrell, S. and Bottrill, R. (2005): Minerals of the Kara Mine, Tasmania. 48 pp. [see http://www.lulu.com/content/150017]
