2.6" Wulfenite Crystals on Calcite - Los Lamentos, Mexico

This specimen contains orange boxy wulfenite crystals on a calcite encrusted matrix. It was collected from the Los Lamentos Mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico and measures 2.6 x 1.5".

Wulfenite is a lead-based molybdate mineral with a chemical formula Pb(MoO4). It forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of hydrothermal lead deposits, its color ranging anywhere between yellow to bright orange and red and occasionally brown. Typically forming as tabular, stubby, or pyramidal crystals, this unique mineral can be both brilliantly transparent and opaque.

While these crystals are safe to hold, due to the fact that they are lead-based we strongly recommend washing your hands after handling.

Calcite, CaCO3, is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. The other polymorphs are the minerals aragonite and vaterite. Calcite crystals are trigonal-rhombohedral, though actual calcite rhombohedra are rare as natural crystals. However, they show a remarkable variety of habits including acute to obtuse rhombohedra, tabular forms, and prisms. Calcite exhibits several twinning types adding to the variety of observed forms. It may occur as fibrous, granular, lamellar, or compact. Cleavage is usually in three directions parallel to the rhombohedron form.
SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Wulfenite & Calcite
LOCATION
Los Lamentos Mountains, Chihuahua, Mexico
SIZE
2.6 x 1.5"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#139789