Smithsonite

This specimen features a thick, botryoidal layer of unusually, dark brown, iridescent, smithsonite with a vitreous lustre—an exceptional piece from this historic Arizona locality.

Specimens from the Antler Mine, a former Zn-Au-Cu-Bi-Pb-Ag-pyrite deposit in Mohave County, Arizona, are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. The Antler Mine was discovered in 1879, with recorded production beginning in 1916. By 1987, the mine workings were inaccessible due to toxic H₂S gas levels and an inoperable hoist. Over its lifespan, the deposit yielded 78,251 tons of copper-zinc sulfide ore, with 34,236 tons extracted in 1970, the final year of operation.