Wulfenite

specimen number:
2133344

location:
Lavic, San Bernardino Co., California, USA

description:
Neat locality example for the species, thin platy crystals of wulfenite measuring to 1.0 cm on edge on matrix. Some damage present as seen.

Lavic, located in the Mojave Desert within San Bernardino County, California, is a historic quarrying area and mining district primarily famous for its production of high-grade chalcedony, jasper, and localized manganese ores. Geologically, the district is situated within the Lavic Lake volcanic field, a late Quaternary-aged basaltic volcanic zone characterized by extensive lava flows, cinder cones, and highly vesicular basalt formations. Within these volcanic sequences, hydrothermal fluids rich in silica circulated through fractures and gas cavities, precipitating brilliant red and gold jasp-agate, carnelian, and fine-grained chalcedony that are highly sought after by lapidary enthusiasts. The history of formal mining began in the early 20th century, notably around 1915, with the development of the nearby Lavic Mountain manganese mines to supply structural metals during World War I, though industrial mineral extraction transitioned primarily to open-cut quarrying for decorative stone, railway ballast, and volcanic cinders during the mid-20th century.

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