Arizona Minerals from the Bruce Murphy Collection

Presented below are 17 specimens from the Arizona mineral collection of Bruce Murphy.  Bruce is a local collector who specialized in Arizona minerals for the past 30 years. Bruce graduated from the University of Arizona in the 1970's with a degree in Geological Engineering and has recently semi-retired after 42 years in the environmental and waste industry. He field collected in Arizona during college and was the first person to bring out the vivid green Smithsonite specimens from the 79 Mine in 1972, among other discoveries. Bruce is a noted expert on Tiger minerals, and an avid micromounter who has identified many new and rare minerals to the State. He built this collection for both aesthetics and rare localities as a means of preserving Arizona's rich mineral history. The below specimens represent his some of his unique and favorites examples.



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US$    € EURO    ¥ YEN    £ POUND    CAN$    AUS$    Note


C408 - Smithsonite $ 1200 (=~ CAN$ 1647) SOLD
Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 5.5 x 4.3 x 2.5 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Smithsonite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c408a.jpg] Smithsonite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c408b.jpg] Smithsonite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c408c.jpg]

Layer of transluscent, vivid blue/green Smithsonite over a dark brown matrix. A label accompanying the specimen from Mark Hay, noted Arizona collector and dealer states that this is the best color he has ever seen for a Silver Hill Smithsonite. Typically, Smithsonite from this location is white in scattered small crystals. Reportedly only 2 pieces like this were ever found. Ex. David Shannon collection. This competition quality specimen is a unique, one of a kind example from an obscure Arizona locality.


C409 - Amethyst scepter $ 400 (=~ CAN$ 549) SOLD
Fat Jack Mine, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 5.5 x 2.7 x 2.3 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Amethyst scepter from Fat Jack Mine, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c409a.jpg] Amethyst scepter from Fat Jack Mine, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c409b.jpg] Amethyst scepter from Fat Jack Mine, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c409c.jpg] Amethyst scepter from Fat Jack Mine, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c409d.jpg]

Medium purple Amethyst scepter crystal over a white Quartz stalk. Collected by David Shannon in 1981 and kept by him as part of his collection. Complete and undamaged. Excellent quality Amethyst crystals in this condition from this obscure locality are difficult to find.


C410 - Cuprite with Delafossite $ 1250 (=~ CAN$ 1715)
Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 6 x 4.0 x 3.5 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Cuprite with Delafossite from Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c410a.jpg] Cuprite with Delafossite from Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c410b.jpg] Cuprite with Delafossite from Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c410c.jpg] Cuprite with Delafossite from Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c410d.jpg]

Well formed red Cuprite octahedrons and sparkling mounds of Delafossite all over matrix. The specimen is very rich in both Cuprite and Delafossite. While most Bisbee Cuprites are dull, this example shows a nice reddish tint under natural light which is fairly uncommon. Clean and undamaged specimen from the Bruce Murphy collection, acquired by Bruce in 2007.


C412 - Smithsonite with Rosasite $ 750 (=~ CAN$ 1029) SOLD
Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 6.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Smithsonite with Rosasite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c412a.jpg] Smithsonite with Rosasite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c412b.jpg] Smithsonite with Rosasite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c412c.jpg]

Spherical groups of green Smithsonite and blue/green Rosasite on both sides of specimen. Typically, Smithsonite from this location is white in scattered small crystals. This competition quality specimen is showy and of fine quality, undamaged and a unique, one of a kind example from an obscure Arizona locality. Minette collection specimens are highly coveted and difficult to obtain.


C413 - Wulfenite on Mimetite $ 750 (=~ CAN$ 1029) SOLD
79 Mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
miniature - 5 x 3.8 x 2.5 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Wulfenite on Mimetite from 79 Mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c413a.jpg] Wulfenite on Mimetite from 79 Mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c413b.jpg] Wulfenite on Mimetite from 79 Mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c413c.jpg]

Glassy and well formed, orange Wulfenite crystals to 6 mm atop a dense druse of spherical Mimetite. The Mimetite is transluscent with a rich, almost wet looking red/orange color. Mimetites from the 79 Mine are exceeding difficult to find in such excellent quality especially one of this size. This is a competition level specimen that rarely surfaces in the market. Ex. Les Presmyk collection. The Presmyk label indicates it was collected by Stan Esbenshade and acquired by Les in 1981.


C414 - Smithsonite SOLD
Gila Monster Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 6.2 x 5 x 3.5 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Smithsonite from Gila Monster Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c414a.jpg] Smithsonite from Gila Monster Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c414b.jpg] Smithsonite from Gila Monster Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c414c.jpg]

Transluscent white Smithsonite in a linear formation of interconnected spheres lining a dark red, crystal lined vug. An extremely rare and unique specimen with no damage and one of only a very few known to exist. The white markings on the surface are tiny internal inclusions and not damage. The Gila Monster Mine is located 1. 3 miles from the famous Old Yuma Mine. The data base web site Mindat shows no photographs of any species from this very obscure and old locality. Comes with 3 old labels. .


C415 - Rosasite $ 1250 (=~ CAN$ 1715)
Silver Bill Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona
miniature - 5 x 4.5 x 3.5 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Rosasite from Silver Bill Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona [db_pics/pics/c415a.jpg] Rosasite from Silver Bill Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona [db_pics/pics/c415b.jpg] Rosasite from Silver Bill Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona [db_pics/pics/c415c.jpg]

Powder blue spheres of Rosasite on the sides and within a protected vug in the specimen. Gorgeous and undamaged, this competition quality specimen is similar to the example shown on the cover of the 2nd addition of Minerals of Arizona. High quality and undamaged Rosasite from here are rare. To Bruce Murphy via the Arkenstone who acquired it in 2005 from the Ernie Schlichter collection.


C416 - Vanadinite $ 650 (=~ CAN$ 892) SOLD
Old Yuma Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
miniature - 5 x 5 x 3 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Vanadinite from Old Yuma Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c416a.jpg] Vanadinite from Old Yuma Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c416b.jpg] Vanadinite from Old Yuma Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c416c.jpg]

Densely clustered crystals of Vanadinite on matrix. The crystals extend straight up from the matrix giving an incredible geometric visual effect. Undamaged and nice color; crystals are large for the locality. Ex. Paul Harter collection.


C417 - Vanadinite $ 1250 (=~ CAN$ 1715) SOLD
Gallagher Mine (Ajax Mine), Charleston, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
miniature - 5 x 4.6 x 3.2 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Vanadinite from Gallagher Mine (Ajax Mine), Charleston, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c417a.jpg] Vanadinite from Gallagher Mine (Ajax Mine), Charleston, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c417b.jpg] Vanadinite from Gallagher Mine (Ajax Mine), Charleston, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c417c.jpg]

Vug filled with chocolate brown, curving Vanadinite crystals. Crystals of this size are very rare from this obscure locality near Tombstone, Arizona. Ex. Ann Williams collection, acquired by Bruce Murphy in 2007. Fine and undamaged specimen thought to be collected in the early 1930’s. Specimens from the Gallagher Mine are rarely seen on the market and this one may be the best extent.


C418 - Smithsonite $ 1250 (=~ CAN$ 1715) SOLD
Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 6.7 x 4.2 x 4 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Smithsonite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c418a.jpg] Smithsonite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c418b.jpg] Smithsonite from Silver Hill Mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c418c.jpg]

Simply put, this is a killer, competition quality specimen from this relatively obscure locality. Pearly green/white spheres of Smithsonite lining an open vug. Undamaged with bright satiny luster and striking visual appeal. Ex. David Shannon collection.


C420 - Vanadinite $ 750 (=~ CAN$ 1029) SOLD
Melissa Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 9 x 6 x 4 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Vanadinite from Melissa Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c420a.jpg] Vanadinite from Melissa Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c420b.jpg] Vanadinite from Melissa Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c420c.jpg] Vanadinite from Melissa Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c420d.jpg]

Red Vanadinite crystals atop white Quartz. The contrast between the red Vanadinite and white Quartz matrix is very striking and appealing This is a significant historic specimen that comes with a rare and delicate hand-written label from George English, a famous mineral dealer of the late 19th century. The specimen dates back to the 1880's, when the locality was known as the 'Rover-Melissa Vein' as evidenced from the English label.


C421 - Cuprite $ 480 (=~ CAN$ 659) SOLD
Maid of Sunshine Mine, Gleeson, Arizona, USA
miniature - 4 x 3 x 2 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Cuprite from Maid of Sunshine Mine, Gleeson, Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c421a.jpg] Cuprite from Maid of Sunshine Mine, Gleeson, Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c421b.jpg] Cuprite from Maid of Sunshine Mine, Gleeson, Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c421c.jpg]

Heavy specimen of Cuprite of interlocking red-tinted crystals coating native Copper. Collected by Richard Graeme in the early 1970s. Reportedly only 6 specimens were found from this relatively obscure location.


C423 - Vanadinite $ 1200 (=~ CAN$ 1647) SOLD
Hamburg Mine, Yuma Co., Arizona, USA
cabinet - 10 x 6 x 4 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Vanadinite from Hamburg Mine, Yuma Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c423a.jpg] Vanadinite from Hamburg Mine, Yuma Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c423b.jpg] Vanadinite from Hamburg Mine, Yuma Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c423c.jpg]

Historical early Arizona specimen of red Vanadinite crystals on matrix. Although the crystals are small, they are bright red, translucent, and evenly distributed across the specimen. This great color, combined with the sparkling Calcite coated matrix yield a visually attractive specimen. Undamaged. Comes with a Gene Schlepp label (indicating the specimen is from the 1880s at the very early stage of mine development) and an old German label. Floater specimen with crystals on all sides. Fewer crystals on the backside, but some are larger than on the front.


C424 - Quartz over Chrysocolla over Malachite after Azurite $ 350 (=~ CAN$ 480) SOLD
Bisbee, Cohise Co., Arizona, USA
small cabinet - 5.5 x 4.5 x 3 cm
ex.  Bruce Murphy


(click on an image to enlarge)

Quartz over Chrysocolla over Malachite after Azurite from Bisbee, Cohise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c424a.jpg] Quartz over Chrysocolla over Malachite after Azurite from Bisbee, Cohise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c424b.jpg] Quartz over Chrysocolla over Malachite after Azurite from Bisbee, Cohise Co., Arizona, USA [db_pics/pics/c424c.jpg]

Drusy Quartz covering Chrysocolla that has covered crystals of Malachite after Azurite. Undamaged.

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