Hemimorphite

This attractive miniature specimen features a crevice filled with shimmering light blue hemispherical aggregates of hemimorphite. The delicate blue coloration is attributed to minor copper content within the hemimorphite structure—a trait commonly seen in material from classic Arizona localities such as the 79 Mine. Another thing that may be of interest is the pink mineralization beneath the blue hemimorphite ball. While its identity is uncertain, it's likely colourless hemimorphite containing pastel pink inclusions, making for a lovely colour pallet.

This piece was collected at the 79 Mine by my father and I, along with one of the mine owners. Much of the hemimorphite in the 300 level "hemimorphite stope" is colourless or white, as can be seen on the initial layer of growth on this specimen. We managed to get into a pocket that featured a secondary growth of this beautiful soft blue material. The 79 Mine is a classic American locality—originally discovered in 1879, it is a former underground lead-zinc operation with a long and complex history of ownership and production. Although strictly closed to the public, the mine has recently experienced a renaissance in specimen production under the stewardship of its current ownership. The mine remains an iconic and important locality for collectors of fine Arizona minerals.