Calcite

specimen number:
2062524

location:
Level 18, J-North Chimney, Buena Tierra Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico

description:
Attractive lustrous translucent crystals of calcite to 3.5 cm in size scattered aesthetically across the top of a thin matrix. The color throughout is a dark red due to the presence of iron oxide. In super condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark who acquired the piece in 1991.

The Buena Tierra Mine is part of the historic Santa Eulalia mining district in Chihuahua, Mexico, which was initially discovered by Spanish explorers around 1591 with significant production starting by 1703. While the broader district has experienced various phases of historic and modern operations over the centuries, specific individual mines like Buena Tierra developed extensive underground networks targeting rich deposits. Geologically, the district is characterized by a thick sequence of Cretaceous limestones and shales—such as the Cuchillo and Benigno formations—intruded by Tertiary sills and dikes. Mineralization primarily occurs as massive sulfide replacement orebodies, skarns, and high-grade oxidized silver and lead deposits formed along structural conduits and limestone-intrusion contacts.

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