Barite with Arsendescloizite

specimen number:
2072144

location:
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico

description:
Interesting combination piece for this locality with yellow thin bladed crystals of barite across the top of matrix with dark green botryoidal arsendescloizite. Minimal micro-damage present, I think this in good condition.

The Ojuela Mine, located near the town of Mapimi in Durango, Mexico, is one of the most famous and diverse mineral localities in the world. Geologically, it is a world-class carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) hosted in Cretaceous limestones and dolomites of the Aurora Formation. The mineralization occurred when metal-rich hydrothermal fluids from nearby igneous intrusions reacted with the carbonate rocks, forming massive sulfide bodies and extensive "manto" and "pipe" structures. Over millions of years, intense oxidation of these primary ores in a semi-arid environment created a vast array of secondary minerals in spectacular cavernous vugs. Historically, the mine was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1598 and operated for over 400 years, primarily for silver, lead, and zinc. It is also famous for the Puente de Ojuela, a massive suspension bridge completed in 1898 by the Roebling company to transport ore across a deep canyon. Although large-scale industrial mining has ceased, the site remains an active source for specimen mining and is a protected historical landmark.

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