Wulfenite

specimen number:
2072342

location:
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico

description:
Lustrous caramel colored crystals of wulfenite across the top of matrix. In good condition with minimal micro-damage present.

The Ojuela Mine, located near Mapimi in the state of Durango, Mexico, is a classic carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) situated within the Sierra de Mapimi. Geologically, the mineralization occurs in Cretaceous limestones where metal-rich hydrothermal fluids created vast cavernous networks filled with an incredible variety of secondary oxide and arsenate minerals. The mine is particularly famous for its spectacular adamite and legrandite, but it gained specific notice among collectors approximately 15 years ago for a unique find of prismatic, caramel-colored wulfenite crystals. These specimens differ from the typical thin, tabular wulfenite usually found at the site, instead exhibiting thick, elongated, and highly lustrous prisms that often occur in aesthetic clusters on a gossan matrix. Historically, mining and quarrying at Ojuela date back to the late 1500s following its discovery by Spanish explorers, with major industrial development occurring under the Penoles Company in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although large-scale commercial extraction of lead, zinc, and silver largely ceased in the mid-20th century, the mine has remained accessible to local mineral prospectors.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.