Mimetite with Calcite

specimen number:
2322020

location:
Potosi Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
Yellow green crystallized mimetite very rich across the top of matrix with rhombohedral crystals of lustrous calcite. Classic material for the species and locality. In terrific condition.

The Potosi Mine, located in the historic Santa Eulalia mining district of Chihuahua, Mexico, is a renowned underground operation with a rich heritage dating back to its discovery by Spanish explorers in the late sixteenth century. Geologically, the deposit is hosted within a thick sequence of Cretaceous limestones that were intruded by Tertiary felsic dikes and sills. Hydrothermal fluids circulating through structural fissures replaced the carbonate host rocks to form massive sulfide mantos, chimneys, and skarn orebodies containing high concentrations of lead, silver, and zinc. Over centuries of extensive production, the mine has yielded prolific quantities of base and precious metals while also becoming world-famous among mineral collectors for producing exceptional crystallized specimens of minerals such as calcite, fluorite, and sphalerite.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.