Wulfenite, Quartz

This miniature specimen features tabular, orange wulfenite crystals heavily coated in a thick layer of grey-blue quartz druse. The drusy quartz obscures much of the underlying wulfenite, a distinctive style that is characteristic of the Finch Mine, which is well known for producing these uniquely coated wulfenite specimens—unlike those from any other locality in the world.

The Finch Mine, located in the Gila Mountains near Hayden, Arizona, is a small but well-known locality that has gained recognition among collectors for its unusual wulfenites. Originally a lead-zinc-copper prospect, the mine was later operated primarily for specimen recovery. It has produced a variety of secondary minerals, but it is especially famous for these quartz-coated wulfenites. This particular piece is in good condition overall and represents a classic example of this unusual paragenesis. It is a must-have for collectors of Arizona minerals or anyone specializing in worldwide wulfenite occurrences.