Anhydrite with Calcite

specimen number:
2063815

location:
Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
The top side of this mostly massive galena matrix is coated with colorless crystallized calcite. Light blue crystal groupings of anhydrite measuring to 2.0 x 1.8 x 0.7 cm in size are scattered nicely across the top of this. In good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark. He acquired the piece within Mexico during the 1970s.

The Naica mining district in Chihuahua, Mexico, originated with its first recorded claim in 1794, transitioned through intermittent operations and modern industrial development by companies like Industrias Penoles, and suspended operations indefinitely in October 2015 due to uncontrollable underground flooding. Geologically, the deposit sits within an Early Cretaceous carbonate sequence of limestones and dolostones intruded by a hidden magmatic body. This intrusive heat source maintained a deep, mineral-saturated thermal aquifer for hundreds of thousands of years, driving hydrothermal ore deposition (lead, zinc, and silver) as well as the specialized dissolution and recrystallization cycle that formed the world-famous giant selenite gypsum crystals found within its underground cavities.

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