Mimetite with Wulfenite

specimen number:
2262086

location:
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico

description:
Yellow green crystallized mimetite across the top of matrix with small crystals of wulfenite. In good condition and quite attractive.

The Ojuela Mine, located near Mapimi in Durango, Mexico, is a world-renowned carbonate-replacement deposit situated within a massive Cretaceous limestone sequence. Geologically, the site consists of a complex network of chimneys and mantos formed by hydrothermal fluids that deposited rich silver, lead, and zinc ores, which subsequently underwent deep and extensive oxidation. The mine is a premier locality for mimetite, a lead arsenate chloride that occurs in a remarkable variety of habits, most notably as brilliant canary-yellow to orange-yellow botryoidal crusts, "cauliflower" aggregates, and sharp hexagonal prisms. Historically, mining and quarrying at Ojuela began shortly after its discovery by Spanish explorers in 1598, with large-scale industrial operations expanding in the late 19th century under the Compania Minera de Penoles. The mine was famous for its engineering marvel, the Puente de Ojuela suspension bridge, and remained a major producer of industrial metals until primary operations ceased in the mid-20th century. Today, the mine remains an active and prolific source of museum-quality mineral specimens through 2026, prized by the scientific community for its incredibly diverse secondary mineralogy.

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