Smithsonite

specimen number:
2072014

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

description:
A brecciated matrix hosting green botryoidal crystallized smithsonite. In good condition.

The 79 Mine, located in Gila County, Arizona, is a well known lead zinc deposit that has been worked intermittently since the early 20th century, with most activity focused on small scale underground mining. The deposit occurs as hydrothermal veins and replacement bodies within carbonate host rocks, where mineralizing fluids introduced lead, zinc, and associated elements. In addition to its modest ore production, the mine is especially famous among collectors for its secondary minerals formed in the oxidized zone. Among these, smithsonite is particularly notable, occurring as botryoidal masses and smooth crusts with a distinctive green coloration. These specimens formed through the alteration of primary zinc minerals under near surface conditions, where zinc bearing solutions reacted with carbonate rich environments.

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