Murdochite with Aurichalcite

specimen number:
2354117

location:
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico

description:

Fine example for the species, with many glistening micro crystals of black murdochite across the top of this matrix which is partially coated with sky-blue radiating acicular crystal clusters of aurichalcite. In great condition.

Located near Mapimi in Durango, Mexico, the Ojuela Mine is an ancient, highly oxidized lead-zinc-silver-gold deposit set within folded Cretaceous limestones. Mining activity dates back to the late sixteenth century under Spanish rule, developing into vast underground workings that exploited rich replacement bodies, chimneys, and mantos created by mineralizing hydrothermal fluids. Extensive oxidation of primary sulfides produced a world-famous secondary mineral zone featuring extraordinary vugs and cavities. Among these rare secondary minerals is murdochite, a dark lead copper halide oxide mineral that occurs as tiny, lustrous black cubic or octahedron-shaped crystals in fractures and oxide crusts. Although commercial operations eventually ceased, the Ojuela Mine remains legendary among collectors and mineralogists for yielding world-class cabinet specimens and diverse micro-minerals from its historic stopes and dumps.

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