Mina Valencia, Guanajuato, Mexico

14.3 x 12.3 x 2.5 cm

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A large plate of white Valencianite crystals covered with small clear Quartz crystals. Much of the Quartz has an iron orange tinted oxide/hydroxide coating. In places, this coating is also on the surface of the Valencianite. There are small spheres of chocolate brown Goethite on the tips of many of the Quartz crystals and in a few places on the Valencianite. Please note; Goethite is not listed on mindat for this location. However, due to the habit and color of the spheres and the presence of the orange iron coloration on the Quartz, Goethite it is highly likely this is Goethite. Valencianite is considered a form of Adularia which is a K-Feldspar. The name derives from the mine which has been closed since 2005. The Valencianite crystals are white, have a good luster and have slightly curved edges and faces. The largest crystals are 3 cm long. The Quartz crystals are up to 5 mm in length with the width being proportionslly about 20% of the length. The brown spheres are for the most part about 1 mm in diameter with one much larger sphere which measuring 4 mm. This is a unique specimen for a few reasons. It is quite large as a specimen for the location. Also, the Valencianite crystals are quite large. The presence of the orange coating is unusual and makes a very attractive specimen. Also, although the brown spheres can be found on other specimens from the location, the amount of them on this specimen is greater than is typical as is amount of Quartz crystals. The specimen is in very good condition with no appreciable damage.