Natanite with Rhodochrosite

specimen number:
2133100

location:
Potosi Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
Brownish black micro crystalline natanite across the top of matrix and hosting many small sparkling pink crystals of rhodochrosite. A great example for the species, in good condition.

Natanite is a rare iron tin oxide mineral that forms in high temperature environments such as altered tin deposits. It is related to the spinel group and typically occurs as very small black crystals or granular aggregates. Natanite is most commonly found in association with cassiterite and other tin bearing minerals.

The Potosi Mine in the Santa Eulalia District of Chihuahua, Mexico, is part of a historic mining area that has been worked since the 18th century for lead, zinc, and silver. Mining expanded significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as underground workings were developed in carbonate hosted replacement deposits. The district became one of the most important mining centers in northern Mexico. The Potosi Mine is also well known among mineral collectors for producing a variety of fine mineral specimens from the oxidized zones of the deposit.

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