Calcite (Cave Stalactite)

During the mining operations at Bisbee many years ago, large caves were often encountered in the underground workings. These caves were lined with stalactites, stalagmites, "cave bacon," and other calcite formations, exemplified by this specimen. This is a notable example from the old, long-closed mine. The Bisbee mine produced several hundred thousand tons of copper and lead carbonate ore in the late 1800s and into the 1900s. This specimen was collected by a colleague who lived and worked in the area decades ago.