Linarite

specimen number:
2063676

location:
Grand Reef Mine, Graham Co., Arizona, USA

description:
A thick grouping of lustrous blue linarite crystals, these composed to appear as one large crystal, set on a small amount of matrix. The crystal grouping measures 1.3 x 1.3 x 0.5 cm in size. This is crystallized completely all around and in good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark. He collected the piece in December, 1981.

The Grand Reef Mine, situated in the Aravaipa District of Graham County, Arizona, exploits an epithermal metal deposit localized within a heavily fractured and silicified fault zone cutting through volcanic host rocks. Initially discovered around 1890 and intermittently worked through the mid-twentieth century, the mine targeted silver, lead, and copper. It later achieved legendary status among mineral collectors and researchers for its rich suite of secondary oxidation minerals formed inside deep vugs and vein cavities. Among these, linarite occurs as exceptionally vivid, deep blue crystal groupings and cleavage masses. This striking mineral develops as a secondary product when descending meteoric waters alter primary lead and copper sulfides, making the site one of the world's premier localities for fine collector specimens of the species.

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