Caledonite crystals from the Grand Reef Mine, AZ, USA – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen features Caledonite on a contrasting matrix from the famous Grand Reef Mine in Arizona. The surface is dominated by pale green to turquoise mineral coatings, among which numerous dark blue to violet Caledonite crystals can be observed. The crystals are clearly visible and display attractive, well-defined crystal faces that stand out beautifully from the surrounding matrix. The colorful mineral association makes this specimen particularly appealing to collectors of secondary copper and lead minerals.
Geology & Origin
Caledonite is a rare lead copper sulfate carbonate hydroxide that forms in the oxidation zones of lead and copper ore deposits. The Grand Reef Mine in Arizona is a classic locality renowned for a wide variety of colorful secondary minerals. Weathering of primary ores produced complex mineral assemblages containing numerous rare sulfates, carbonates and oxides. Caledonite commonly occurs together with other copper minerals and is valued by collectors for its attractive crystal forms and relative rarity.