Ludlamite

specimen number:
2063150

location:
Blackbird Mine, Lemhi Co., Idaho, USA

description:
Lustrous green slightly translucent crystals of ludlamite to 0.5 cm in size across the front of matrix. In good condition. A choice thumbnail for this Idaho classic. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

The Blackbird Mine in Lemhi County, Idaho, is situated within a rugged sequence of metamorphosed Precambrian sedimentary rocks, including quartzites, siltites, and argillites of the Idaho Cobalt Belt, which host complex metal-bearing sulfide deposits associated with extensive hydrothermal alteration. Mining history at the site began with gold discoveries in the late 19th century, followed by intensive extraction of copper and strategic metal resources during periods of high national demand through the mid-20th century. Although full-scale commercial operations eventually ceased due to shifting market conditions and subsequent environmental remediation concerns, the district has also drawn interest from mineral collectors seeking fine specimens of secondary phosphate species formed within its weathered zones.

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