$50.00
Los Lamentos Wulfenite from Chihuahua, Mexico, featuring substantial golden-orange crystals accented by contrasting white secondary mineralization. This 0.75-inch Donald Wininger Collection specimen comes in the 1.5-inch Perky box shown and represents one of Mexico’s classic Wulfenite localities. 0.75″ L × 0.50″ W × 0.75″ H
In stock
You will receive the exact specimen shown.
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Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico comes from the Donald Wininger Collection, but it has a distinctly different personality from many of the fiery orange blade specimens associated with this famous locality.
The specimen measures approximately 0.75 inches long, 0.50 inches wide, and 0.75 inches high and comes in the 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 inch Perky display box shown.
Despite its small size, the specimen has considerable visual weight. Several substantial golden-orange to warm amber Wulfenite crystals rise above the matrix, while areas of white secondary mineralization wrap around and between the crystals. The white material creates a strong contrast with the warm Wulfenite and gives this miniature specimen a surprisingly sculptural appearance.
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Mineral | Wulfenite |
| Formula | PbMoO₄ |
| Mineral Class | Molybdate |
| Crystal System | Tetragonal |
| Mohs Hardness | 2.5–3 |
| Luster | Adamantine to resinous |
| Crystal Habit | Thick tabular to blocky |
| Color | Golden-orange to amber |
| Association | White secondary mineralization |
| Locality | Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico |
| Collection | Donald Wininger Collection |
The historic workings in the Los Lamentos Mountains produced Wulfenite in a remarkable range of colors and forms. Orange, caramel, yellow-orange and reddish crystals became particularly associated with the district, and the unusually thick development of some crystals distinguishes classic Los Lamentos material from the thin plates produced at other famous localities.
The deposit itself is a carbonate-hosted lead-zinc system. Wulfenite developed within its oxidized zones as older lead-bearing minerals were chemically altered. Lead released through that weathering eventually combined with molybdate under suitable conditions, allowing PbMoO₄ crystals to grow within cavities and fractures. Those secondary mineral-forming processes are what ultimately created the bright crystals collectors prize today.
Los Lamentos is now best regarded as a historic mineral locality rather than an active source supplying a steady stream of newly mined Wulfenite.
Commercial mining ended long ago, although the underground workings were revisited at different times for exploration and specimen recovery. Particularly important Wulfenite finds occurred during several twentieth-century collecting periods. Deep workings also encountered significant groundwater problems, complicating later access.
Within modern crystal traditions, Wulfenite is associated with creative energy, motivation, determination, inspiration and following ideas through to completion.
Its warm orange and golden coloration is also symbolically connected with enthusiasm, confidence and creative expression.
These are traditional metaphysical interpretations rather than medical claims.
This specimen’s contrasting colors make it particularly effective as a miniature display piece. The 1.5-inch Perky box also provides important protection for the exposed crystal faces.
Wulfenite is relatively soft and brittle, measuring only about 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale. Handle the specimen by its base rather than by the crystals and avoid ultrasonic cleaners, chemical cleaning and unnecessary handling.
Because Wulfenite contains lead, wash your hands after direct handling and never cut, grind or sand the specimen.
| Weight | 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.51 × 1.5 × 1.5 in |
