Wulfenite on Psilomelane

The 79 mine was a lead-zinc mine originally exploited for rich oxidized ores and which extended several hundred feet below the surface. The deposit is hosted in limestone and rhyolite, and the mineralisation occurs in fractures or broken, thin calcareous shale. Likely other supergene deposit, this is a typical Lead-Zinc-Copper Deposit that produced colorful specimens because of the enrichment and highly oxidized trace element.

Wulfenite is a type Mineral that is found in such environment, and Mottramite (PbCu(VO4)(OH））. These oxidized deposits are usually not volumetric large but a factory that crystalized some of the most beautiful specimens.

This piece was found in an old collections (collectors are not allowed to collect after 1992), and I was lucky to get a classic combo and 3 individual crystals （one on the back) hide in the mottramite "forest". Cute little guy lol.

2.8cm, 79 Mine, Chilito, Hayden area, Banner Mining District, Gila County, Arizona, USA

Jingnan (Tom) Zhang Coll & Photo