Smithsonite (1886)

specimen number:
8811765

location:
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico

description:

Quite good for the species from this Mexican locality, almost chatoyant lustrous crystal groupings of smithsonite to 1.0 cm in size across the front of matrix with limonite. This is in very good condition. Good examples of the species have never been common from this locality. The specimen was on public display at the 2026 Tucson Gem and Mineral show.

The Ojuela Mine near Mapimi in Durango, Mexico, is a historic mining locality that was first worked in the 17th century for silver and later for lead and zinc. Mining expanded during the 19th century with extensive underground workings developed in limestone host rock. The mine is especially well known for its rich oxidized zones, which produced a wide variety of secondary minerals. Smithsonite occurs there as botryoidal masses and crusts, formed by the alteration of zinc minerals.

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