Smithsonite (201)

specimen number:
8811759

location:
79 Mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA

description:

Gorgeous lustrous green botryoidal crystallized smithsonite across both sides of this breccia matrix. In very good condition. The color is outstanding for the species from this locality. Collected by George Stevens. This specimen was on public display at the 2026 Tucson Gem and Mineral show.

The 79 Mine in Gila County, Arizona, is a historic lead and zinc mining locality that was worked mainly during the early to mid 20th century. The deposit occurs in carbonate rocks and includes well developed oxidized zones that produced a variety of secondary minerals. The mine is especially famous among collectors for smithsonite, which occurs as botryoidal crusts and masses mainly green in color. Smithsonite from the 79 Mine is highly valued for its rich color, smooth texture, and classic association with this well known Arizona locality.

The famous green smithsonite from the 79 Mine in Gila County, Arizona, was discovered in the early 1990s by George Stevens and a small group of collectors working the lower levels of the mine. These specimens came from oxidized zones on the lower 4th level, sometimes called the chrysocolla room, where copper rich conditions produced intensely colored cuprian smithsonite. The find yielded exceptionally bright green botryoidal specimens with high luster, which quickly became highly sought after and were rapidly dispersed through the mineral market.

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