Smithsonite
Maguarichic, Chihuahua, Mexico (historically attributed)/Santa Eulalia (modern attribution)
Dimensions: 6.1 × 3.4 × 3.1 cm
Provenance: Original collection label, catalog no. 608, records the locality as “Maugrarichic, Chihuahua, Mexico,” an apparent historical misspelling of Maguarichic.
An attractive specimen of pale aqua-blue smithsonite displaying rounded, botryoidal formations across a contrasting cream-colored matrix. The translucent blue-green aggregates exhibit a delicate, sparkling crystalline surface, with overlapping growths creating a richly textured appearance.
Historical Locality Research: The original collection label attributes this specimen to Maguarichic, Chihuahua. However, geological documentation from the Servicio Geológico Mexicano identifies Maguarichic primarily as a gold- and silver-bearing vein district, rather than a documented source of smithsonite. In contrast, the Santa Eulalia mining district of Chihuahua is a well-established source of blue-green botryoidal smithsonite, including specimens from the San Antonio Mine.
The specimen's appearance and mineralogy are consistent with material documented from Santa Eulalia, making that district a possible alternative origin. The original Maguarichic attribution has been preserved for historical accuracy, as the precise locality remains unconfirmed.
Historical references: Servicio Geológico Mexicano, Carta Geológico-Minera San Juanito, G13-1; Peter K. M. Megaw (2015), “Smithsonite and Other Secondary Zinc Minerals of the San Antonio Mine, Santa Eulalia District, Chihuahua, Mexico,” New Mexico Mineral Symposium.
