Copper Stain

The mine.

The stain.

The view.

Esoterizona Stones 34

Fluorescent Minerals

The rocks pictured below all come from a mine situated high on the northern flanks of the Santa Rita Mountains.  Fluorescent blue diopside, yellow-orange caliche, and an unknown green fluorescent mineral. After numerous field-collecting trips in southern Arizona, these pieces stand out as a color combination I have never found previously. SWUV.

Garcia Cemetery

Garcia Cemetery in Wickenburg, AZ.

Just happened by here around the 4th of July ... an afternoon well spent.

Cactus Longhorn Beetle

Cactus Longhorn Beetle (Moneilema gigas)

Prickly pear and cholla beware ...

Esoterizona Stones 33

Fluorescent Minerals

Unknown fluorescent green mineral with caliche (yellow). Short- and longwave UV. 1.5"x3"x3" (Pima County)

Same under white light

Unknown green and caliche. Short- and longwave UV.  5"x4"x4" (Pima County)

Same rock, longwave UV only.  Here the caliche is more orange than yellow.

Any blues or purples in the picture are just lamp reflection, not fluorescence.

Same rock, white light.

Here the caliche fluoresces more pale white than yellow under shortwave UV.  In addition to the unknown green, this piece has a blue-white fluorescent mineral that is also phosphorescent, possibly aragonite.  8"x6"x4"  (Pima County) 

Same, white light.

Mine Cars

 

Ore cart with front-end scoop.

Chainbelt-driven machinery inside.

Foot brake.

Important juggity.

Arizona seat cushion.

Verde Flat Cemetery

Verde Flat Cemetery, near Vulture Mine, Maricopa County.

Do you see the ghost in this picture?

Most graves are marked with a simple wooden cross ...

... but this one is oddly detailed.

Many grave mounds host a stuffed animal companion.