Wulfenite, Mimetite

This vibrant small cabinet specimen features an eye-catching display of sharp, lustrous, gemmy orange blades of wulfenite crystals sitting attractively on a contrasting, oxidized matrix and accompanied by yellow-orange mimetite aggregates. Making for a very rich piece. The piece originates from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine near the historic mining town of Tiger, Arizona. Despite a few minor chips, the specimen is overall in excellent condition and presents beautifully, offering a colourful and classic example of this well-known locality.

The Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine has a rich and complex history dating back to 1879, when the first claims were staked. Initially known simply as the Mammoth Mine, it operated under various names and ownerships, including the Mammoth-St Anthony Mining Ltd. and later Magma Copper Company. The mine produced a variety of metals including gold, vanadium, molybdenum, lead, and zinc over several distinct operational phases between 1881 and 1953. Activity peaked during periods of heightened metal demand, particularly during wartime and the gold price boom of the 1930s. Today, little remains of the original mining camp, but the locality is still celebrated for its colourful and well-crystallized mineral specimens, especially wulfenite and mimetite, which are now highly sought after by collectors.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal.