Malachite on Copper

Unknown Owner

A cluster of crystallized native copper, this coated with green malachite. In good condition. Minor brecciated matrix is attached.The Ray Mine, located in Pinal County, Arizona, is a major copper mining operation within the Mineral Creek district and has been an important source of copper since the late 19th century. Early mining focused on underground extraction of high grade ore, but operations later transitioned to large scale open pit mining as lower grade deposits became economically viable. The mine exploits a porphyry copper deposit, where copper minerals are disseminated throughout large volumes of rock, requiring extensive processing. In addition to copper, the deposit has produced byproducts such as molybdenum, gold, and silver. Over time, the Ray Mine has been operated by several companies, with modern operations utilizing advanced equipment and processing methods. The mine remains an active and significant contributor to copper production in the United States, as well as an important example of large scale porphyry copper mining.