Aurichalcite, Rosasite, Calcite, Hemimorphite, Smithsonite

This is a particularly well-balanced and richly mineralized combination specimen from the renowned 79 Mine. Vibrant greenish-blue sprays of aurichalcite are scattered across the surface, accompanied by micro-botryoidal beads of teal-blue rosasite, all resting atop a dense layer of clear, sparkling hemimorphite crystals. Intermixed throughout are matte, disk-like aggregates of colourless calcite. Beneath the mineralized surface lies a hefty, banded matrix of green smithsonite. In some areas, a powdery, titanium-white coating of smithsonite is present in a thin coating of the green smithsonite. This specimen is an outstanding example of association material from this classic Arizona locality and would make a fine addition to any collection focused on Arizona minerals or multi-species parageneses.

The 79 Mine, discovered in 1879, is a historic American lead-zinc deposit with a long and complex history of ownership and production. Although currently closed to the public, renewed activity under its present ownership has led to a resurgence in fine specimen recovery. The mine remains a premier source of notable Arizona minerals, particularly known for its vibrant blue hemimorphite, cuprian smithsonite, aurichalcite, and yellow wulfenite.