Vanadinite with Calcite

specimen number:
2063034

location:
Black Prince mine, Superior, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA

description:
Interesting locality example for the species with brilliant red lustrous crystals of vanadinite to 0.3 cm in a size scattered across the top of a calcite crystal covered matrix. In good condition with minimal damage to one crystal along the edge of the matrix only. The specimen was collected by Ray DeMark on November 23, 1981.

The Black Prince Mine, located in the Pioneer mining district near Superior in Pinal County, Arizona, is situated within a rugged geological setting characterized by complex faulting and older sedimentary and volcanic rock units typical of the region. Historically operated as a small prospect during the early twentieth century, the site has gained modern prominence primarily as a locality for mineral collectors rather than a major commercial producer. Rock hounds and collectors value the mine for its occasional recovery of striking secondary mineral specimens, notably translucent, deep red vanadinite crystals nestled among calcite matrix, which formed through the oxidation of lead-bearing hydrothermal veins traversing the local host rocks.

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