Wulfenite

specimen number:
2072093

location:
Defiance Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA

description:
The top of matrix is covered by thin platy crystals of wulfenite. In good condition for one of these, just slight damage present.

The Defiance Mine is located in the Turquoise District of the Courtland-Gleeson area within the Dragoon Mountains of Cochise County, Arizona. Geologically, the deposit is a complex limestone replacement system where mineralizing fluids from Laramide-aged igneous intrusions interacted with Paleozoic carbonate rocks. This resulted in extensive primary lead, zinc, and silver mineralization, followed by a significant period of secondary oxidation. Historically, the mine was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the mining boom of the region. The Defiance is specifically noted by collectors for its distinctive Wulfenite specimens. These lead molybdate crystals are characterized by an exceptionally thin, tabular habit, often appearing as fragile, "paper-thin" squares or rectangles. They typically exhibit a pale butterscotch to bright orange-yellow color and possess a high vitreous to adamantine luster. These delicate plates are frequently found as overlapping clusters or isolated crystals perched on a dark, contrasting gossan matrix. While they may not reach the massive thickness of specimens from Los Lamentos, the sharp, razor-thin geometry of Defiance Mine Wulfenite makes it a recognizable and classic Arizona occurrence.

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