Wulfenite (classic AZ - circa early 1900s)

Item Description

Hilltop Mine wulfenite is a relic of the early 1900s turn-of-century Wild West years in Arizona. Most specimens came out in the 1880s to WWI era. These remote mountains were so difficult at the time, that ore was brought out on the back of burros to get to market. Today, we seldom see specimens of wulfenite from this classic locality, but they do turn up in old collections from time to time. This sculptural, large piece is festooned on all sides with classic butterscotch color, tabular crystals to 1.2 cm. For the crystal density and specimen size, there are very, very few broken crystals, which given the age is quite acceptable. Valued $1500-2000.