Chino Mine, Santa Rita, Santa Rita Mining District, Grant Co., New Mexico, USA

The "Phoenix" a 5x7 cm specimen. Repeated Spinel twinning gives the branches an hexagonal outline and each branch has different isometric forms in the termination. (Helen Tyson photo, ex RWMW collection, ROM collection)

© Helen Tyson

11.2 x 9.3 x 0.4 cm. A beautiful "fan" of entirely crystallized copper, in the form of hundreds of densely-packed crystals ending in finger-like tendrils at the periphery. It is not thin, but very substantial and sturdy - in addition to being quite beautiful.

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

One of the very finest speicmens in any size, particularly for a miniature, in the lot: note the unusually dramatic flanges! 5.9 x 1.7 x 1.3 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

One of the very finest speicmens in any size, particularly for a miniature, in the lot: note the unusually dramatic flanges! 5.9 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

An unusual specimen with really elongated flanges and dramatic crystallogrpahy off the main spinel twin axis, whereas most other specimens show only crystallization along that axis . 5.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Superb miniature, one of the best for the price. It has thick crystallization and note the fat accessory flange on the left. 4.6 x 1.6 x 1.3 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A rocket-ship like crystal with super sharp temrination, and broad wings at the base! 5.5 x 1.7 x 1.4 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

2.8 x 1.1 x 1.0 cm. A classic, very sharp, pointed spinel-twinned copper crystal from recent finds at the famous Chino Mine of New Mexico. Three sides of the spear-point have very interesting grooves, and the wings have hoppered crystals. The pretty copper patina is the result of mild cleaning. Excellent, highly representative material for the ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A superbly-crystallized New Mexico copper, collected rather recently (June of 2001) in Grant County. This was a freak find, though, in an isolated single boulder. No more of this structure had been found before, nor since. It is nearly a complete floater that is virtually all crystal. Fine patina! These are now unavailable on the market and I buy ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Plate of crystalline native copper, 33 by 70 centimeters, probably collected during early open-pitting operations. Traded out of my collection, November 2008.

8.4 x 3.4 x 0.6 cm. “The Santa Rita is, perhaps, the most famous mine in Western America, for it was here that the techniques of copper mining were first developed in the Southwest.” So wrote Carey McWilliams in his 1949 book, “North From Mexico”. Here is a wonderfully crystallized, arborescent specimen of copper from this famous mine. ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Sharp, thick, very elegant miniature with a sharp termination! 4.8 x 1.4 x 1.2 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

One of the most unusual and distinct miniatures, this piece proabably has the widest flanking crystallization of any around the central twin. This gives it much more lateral depth and size impression that with most specimens here, and hence the price reflects this special quality. It is one of the top miniatures in the find, I can say. 4.8 x 1.8 ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Sharp, rocket-like mini with great central twinning , and super flanges running the length of the twin! 5.5 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Exquisite miniature with wide flanges around the central twin! 4.7 x 1.7 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Sharp miniature with exquisite secondary crystallization wrapping the piece to the point of the central twin! 5.0 x 1.4 x 1.4 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Crystallized copper. Specimen size 7.6 x 4.5 cm.

© A&M

Curved elongate copper crystal, 53 mm. The label (Donald K. Olson) says it's from the 5100 Bench, East Pit, Townsite Island, Chino Mine, Bayard New Mexico.

Copper from the Chino Mine, Grant Co., NM, U.S. Specimen measures approximately 5 x 4.1 x .7 cm.

© Peter Hargis

Elegant , twisty, sharp small cabinet specimen with great visual appeal! 6.6 x 1.8 x 1.2 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A visually stunning, curved specimen showing dramatic secondary crystallization that is the most complexly symmetric of the lot, when such has occured. the lateral orientation of the crystals on the secondary growth is really enhancing of the sharp central twinning, and the centrla twin has extra-thick flanges as a result that really draw the eye ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A sharp, upright crystal with excellent form! 6.2 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Beautifully structured spinel twin copper crystals. Specimen is 3.6cm wide, 3.5cm top to bottom

6.0 x 4.1 x 3.0 cm. A superbly crystallized copper specimen from the famous Santa Rita (Chino) Mine of New Mexico. Sharp spinel-twins with unusual cauliflower head-like terminations comprise this dense floater specimen. The piece has been acid-dipped to bring out the fine patina. Old-time pristine material, obtained in 1976, from the Robert ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Arborescent crystal cluster of native copper. Overall size of mineral specimen: 5x3.5x1 cm. Size of individual crystals: 1-2 mm.

© 2000 John H. Betts

Wayne Thompson marketed the high-end pieces from this amazing one-time find at the Santa Rita, with all specimens found in a single erratic boulder by Stan Esbenshade who laboriously etched them out. Through Wayne, Gene received his first choice of these coppers, and this one for size and thickness really is set above most others as one of the ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A beautiful, completely crystallized New Mexico copper, in the shape of a dendritic “fan” – not at all wimpy and thin, actually rather sturdy. 4.5 x 3.8 x 0.5 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A sharp piece with unusually sharp, rocket-like symmetry at the top! Unusual for the straigh tnature of the spinel twin! 5.5 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

An oddly ASYMMETRIC piece, which is most unusual for this find, showcasing dramatic flanges more to one side than the other, at the base. Very stark and dramatic! The width at the base highlights the 3-dimensional sharpness of the upper portion of the twin! 4.8 x 1.5 x 1.2 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

One of the most robust pieces from the lot, with extra thickness and sturdiness, and just impressive. One of the finest large specimens in the find, and perhaps the best I have available in terms of size and quality balancing, this is a rare treasure. 10.0 x 1.9 x 1.8 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A sharp, thick, stout, miniature with unusual top and bottom symmetrical balance. Nice!!! 5.2 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A stout, sharp miniature! Actually, a largeish mini or small cab if standing straight. Very 3-dimensional specimen!!! 5.6 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A sharp, thick , unusually stout small cab specimen with excellent aesthetics! 7.1 x 1.6 x 1.3 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

One of my favorites in the lot, this piece has a good balance of flanges and the quality of the central twin. It presents very dramatically! 6.3 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

4.8 x 1.8 x 1.7 cm. A superb, pristine, floater, copper crystal cluster from the famous, small 2002 find at the Santa Rita Mine, New Mexico. This arborescent cluster is composed of sharp, spinel-twinned and tetrahexahedral crystals with a very nice, rich, coppery patina. There are even a couple of uncommon, skeletal/hoppered crystals. The long ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A sharp, upright crystal with excellent form. 7.3 x 1.3 x 1.2 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Sharp copper crystals from the Santa Rita Mine measuring 7mm. Michael Cline photograph created using CombineZP.

© Michael D. Cline

Superb miniature with stout crystallography and superb, sharp flanges! The quality of those flanges is what makes the difference between a good miniature (they all are, pretty much) and a superb one rare in the lot 5.7 x 1.8 x 1.2 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Sharp, very symmetrical twin! 5.0 x 1.2 x 1.2 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A remarkably sharp specimen like a needle, with beautiful elegant tapering to the tip. 6.8 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Outstanding large twinned crystals of native copper are forming an aesthetic 5.7 x 4.8 x 1.8 cm grouping with no matrix. Completely crystallized and shows well all around 360 degrees. No damage with a very good patina. Excellent for this locality! Ex Lloyd Tate collection.

© Weinrich Minerals, Inc.

A complex cluster of native copper crystals. From a new find at the Chino mine. The group shows interlocking herringbone growths with a large number of small crystals attached. An undamaged floater that could be displayed several ways. Overall size: 81 mm x 47 mm x 36 mm. Weight: 101 g.

© Carles Millan

7.8 x 5.8 x 3.4 cm. A superbly crystallized and sculptural copper specimen from the Howard Belsky Collection. Sharp, tetrahexahedral crystals with a gorgeous patina form an elongated, striking shape that looks like a dragon, with large head and snout attached to a very long neck. Two small "arms" stick out and there is even a small "tail" of ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

5.1 x 0.9 x 0.8 cm. A classic, very sharp and fine, pointed, floater, spinel-twinned copper crystal from the circa 2006 finds at the Chino Mine of New Mexico. There are three, very prominent grooves or clefts between the fluted wings on this piece. The pretty, very bright copper patina is the result of mild cleaning.

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

3.0 x 0.9 x 0.9 cm. A classic, very sharp, pointed spinel-twinned copper crystal from recent finds at the famous Chino Mine of New Mexico. Three sides of the spear-point have very interesting grooves, and the wings have hoppered crystals. The pretty copper patina is the result of mild cleaning. Excellent, highly representative material for the ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Nice branch sharp structure 51 x 30 mm. weighs 19.7 grams Personal collection Mark Moore

6 cm wide

© Weinrich Minerals, Inc.

Two dendrites of copper composed of crystals radiating out from a center point. A few of the copper crystals show spinel twinning. This specimen was given to me by Ron Crouse. Thank you Ron.

© Alex Earl 2016

Copper from the Chino Mine, Grant Co., NM, U.S. Specimen measures approximately 12.5 x 7 cm with spinel-twinned crystals measuring up to 2.5 cm.

© Peter Hargis

Two sharp crystals of pyrite with chalcocite overgrowth, a variety known as ducktownite. This is an excellent specimen, sharp and undamaged. Overall size of mineral specimen: 2x2x1 cm. Size of individual crystals: 12-20 mm.

© 2001 John H. Betts

Sharp crystal of pyrite with chalcocite overgrowth, a variety known as ducktownite. The surface has a white second mineral on several sides. Overall size of mineral specimen: 15x14x12 mm. Size of individual crystals: 15 mm.

© 2001 John H. Betts

Complex crystal cluster of many pyrite crystals with surface alteration to chalcocite, one known as Ducktownite. This specimen is particularly well crystallized, with no point of attachment. No damage. Ex. A. Stevenson collection #61. Overall size of mineral specimen: 18x15x13 mm. Size of individual crystals: 3-10 mm.

© 2001 John H. Betts

This is a unique specimen of intergrown copper and cuprite forming a large stalactite, with crystals of both seemingly intermixed but with cuprite the predominant mineral showing on the surface. The color is thus a deep red hue in good lighting, and it is much more attractive than appears in the photos. The piece is complete all around and ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

7.4 x 3.8 x 2.0 cm. Scintillating, gemmy to opaque, cherry-red, cubic cuprite crystals comprise this striking, two-sided, crust of solid cuprite crystals from the Chino Mine of New Mexico. There are just a couple of small points of attached crust. This was nearly a floater. Outstanding material from this noted locale, and according to the Minette ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

These red cubes of cuprite and copper-colored copper crystals are a gift from Don Saathoff. Thanks Don.

A superb large cabinet combination specimen for this New Mexico locality! The specimen consists of a spongy crystallized mass of native copper measuring 20.0 x 11.0 x 9.2 cm in size overall. Scattered throughout this are deep red crystals of cuprite to 0.5 cm in size. There is a lot of cuprite present. The specimen sits nicely for dispaly and is ...

© Dan & Diana Weinrich Minerals

A neat branching grouping of dark red sparkling cuprite crystals averaging 0.2 cm in size. Completely crystallized all around 360 degrees and clean of damage. Size: 3.8 x 2.2 x 1.9 cm. Ex Dawn and Jim Minette collection.

© Dan & Diana Weinrich Minerals

5.5 x 1.6 x 1.4 cm. This is a "tree" of completely crystallized copper, out of the collection of Ed David - consisting of hundreds of sharp little crystals from top to bottom! No matrix, no massive copper, just solid crystals of exquisite crystallization.

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A neat dendritic crystallized grouping of native copper measuring 3.6 x 2.3 x 1.0 cm in size, this studded with small dark red crystals of cuprite. Ex Dawn and Jim Minette collection.

© Dan & Diana Weinrich Minerals

A large fan of crystallized copper, an old specimen from the Santa Rita pit, very sculptural in form, with a natural "base" and two "branches" as if planned! Hauck collection . This is a really dramatic, unusually large example for the locality! 11.9 x 8.6 x 1.7cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Radiating, elongated, dark greenish-brown crystals of beraunite, including one tightly packed sphere and minor yellow meurigite-K . Rolf Luetcke specimen and photo.

Unusual miniature in the shape of an arrowhead, with broad wings at the base tapering to an elegant point. Special miniature, I think! 5.3 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

7.4 x 3.8 x 2.0 cm. Scintillating, gemmy to opaque, cherry-red, cubic cuprite crystals comprise this striking, two-sided, crust of solid cuprite crystals from the Chino Mine of New Mexico. There are just a couple of small points of attached crust. This was nearly a floater. Outstanding material from this noted locale, and according to the Minette ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

One of the finest large specimens in the find, and perhaps the best I have available in terms of size and quality balancing, this is a rare treasure! Only a few of this magnitude were found, and I was going to save a few for the Denver show but release just two of the 5-6 pieces from that small group a the top of the find, for the web 9.6 x 1.6 ...

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

An excellent large twin, with sharp flanges aside the main axis - note the unusual extended crystal atop, for example. 7.0 x 1.5 x 1.4 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

11.2 x 9.3 x 0.4 cm. A beautiful "fan" of entirely crystallized copper, in the form of hundreds of densely-packed crystals ending in finger-like tendrils at the periphery. It is not thin, but very substantial and sturdy - in addition to being quite beautiful.

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

WONDERFUL, large, and elegant small cab with a graceful curvature and tapering to it that is really unusual in the lot! 6.9 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A sharp, thick , unusually stout small cab specimen with excellent aesthetics! 6.4 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Dark green prismatic crystals of libethenite, 6mm crystal cluster. Label said it came from the South Pit area. Rolf Luetcke specimen and photo.

A sharp, upright crystal with excellent form. 6.8 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A gracefully curved larger specimen with elegant form, showing the slow twist of the central spinel twin! 8.5 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

SHARP miniature with excellent form! 5.3 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

A slender, elegant crystal with deep twin crevasses along all sides, just razor sharp! 7.2 x 1.2 x 1.2 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Superb miniature with stout crystallography and superb, sharp flanges! The quality of those flanges is what makes the difference between a good miniature (they all are, pretty much) and a superb one rare in the lot 6.2 x 1.9 x 1.6 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com

Twisting, elegant , and rather large example with heavy secondary crystallization covering the central spinel twin. Certainly, the piece is unusual in the lot. 6.3 x 1.4 x 1.3 cm

© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com