A dark green smithsonite from the 79 Mine. Under magnification, one can see that the dark appearance of the specimen is due partly to the hue of the green and partly to black inclusions in the smithsonite. In excellent condition and stands perfectly for display.

About the 79 Mine

One of Arizona’s most classic specimen localities, the 79 Mine has a long and colourful history and has produced wonderful mineral specimens. First located in 1879, the deposit was sporadically operated primarily for lead, zinc and copper, well into the 20th century. However, the fine specimens for which the 79 Mine is famous have come out during the decades since mining production ended. The celebrated specimens of the 79 Mine were brought out by hard-working collectors who, in the post-mining era, worked the network of underground stopes and “rooms” and brought the specimens out safely, hand-carried, up ladder after ladder.

Please Note: the colour representation in the still photographs has been carefully calibrated and adjusted to show an accurate rendition of this specimen in daylight (shade). The colours in the video are not similarly adjusted.