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Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA

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A former lively mining town east of the Christmas Mine. Now a semi-abandoned group of housing trailers.





 Map Reference: 33°3'44"N , 110°44'31"W

This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.


Mineral list contains entries from the region specified including sub-localities


Mineral List:
  		•  Actinolite
    ☐Ca
     
    2
    		(Mg,Fe
    2+
     
    		)
     
    5
    		(Si
     
    8
    		O
     
    22
    		)(OH)
     
    2
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026861, MRDS ID #M000635.]
  		•  Andalusite
    Al
     
    2
    		[O|SiO
     
    4
    		]
    Description: Occurs in ,etamorphosed siltstones of the Naco Formation.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 110; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Andradite
    Ca
     
    3
    		Fe
    3+
    2
    		[SiO
     
    4
    		]
     
    3
    Description: large massive beds
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 111; Tainter, S.L. (1948), Christmas copper deposit, Gila Co., AZ, US Bur. of Mines Rept. Inv. 4293; ]
  		•  Anglesite
    PbSO
     
    4
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026843, MRDS ID #M000497]
  		•  Anhydrite
    CaSO
     
    4
    Description: Occurs between the 1,000 and 1,200 foot levels as a fairly abundant constituent of drill cores.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 113, 225; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 59.]
  		•  Apachite (TL)
    Cu
     
    9
    		Si
     
    10
    		O
     
    29
    		·11H
     
    2
    		O
    Type Locality: Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    Habit: Fibrous; blades
    Colour: Blue
    Description: Occurs as minute, blue matted fibers or blades; fills fractures; pseudomorphic after grossular and diopside in some areas. Found in an ill defined structure that cuts tactites.
    Reference: [Cesbron, F.P. & S.A. Williams (1980), Apachite and gilalite, two new copper silicates from Christmas, AZ, Min.Mag.: 43: 639-641; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116, 428.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas open pit, Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Bruce Murphy 2007
  		•  'Apatite'
    Habit: Euhedral grains
    Description: Occurs as remnant euhedral grains in metamorphosed diorite.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Apophyllite-(KF)
    KCa
     
    4
    		[(F,OH)|Si
     
    8
    		O
     
    20
    		] · 8H
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 264; Williams, S.A. (1976), Junitoite, a new hydrated calcium zinc silicate from Christmas, AZ, Am.Min.: 61: 1255-1258.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © AMI-Pasquale Antonazzo
  		•  Biotite
    Description: Occurs as phenocrysts in quartz-mica diorite pophyry.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 360; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 110; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Bornite
    Cu
     
    5
    		FeS
     
    4
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116, 142, 163; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Knoerr, A. & M. Eigo (1963), Arizona's newest copper producer - The Christmas mine, Engr. Mining Jour.: 164: 55; Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 351, 363.]
  		•  Brochantite
    Cu
     
    4
    		[(OH)
     
    6
    		|SO
     
    4
    		]
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026861, MRDS ID #M000635.]
  		•  Calcite
    CaCO
     
    3
    Description: Occurs in contact-metamorphosed diorite on 800 level.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 179, 225.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Adam Harper
  		•  Cerussite
    PbCO
     
    3
    Habit: Vee and other twin habits
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 157, 254; Crowley, J.A. (1980), The C. and B. mine, Gila Co., AZ, Min.Rec.: 11: 213-218.]
    Site Photo
    C and B Mine (C & B Mine; C. and B. Mine; C & B Group Mine; Vanadium Mine; Vanadium property; International property; Cutler and Bywater Mine), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Rob Lavinsky
  		•  'Chabazite'
    Habit: Rhombic
    Description: Occurs as crystals in vugs in hydrothermally altered andesite porphyry & chalky, pinkish-white material.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 160.]
  		•  Chalcanthite
    CuSO
     
    4
    		·5H
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026861, MRDS ID #M000635.]
  		•  Chalcocite
    Cu
     
    2
    		S
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 351, 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116, 163, 190; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Galbraith, F.W. (1947), Minerals of AZ, AZ Bur. of Mines Bull. 153: 21.]
  		•  Chalcopyrite
    CuFeS
     
    2
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 351, 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 163, 166; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Galbraith, F.W. (1947), Minerals of AZ, AZ Bur. of Mines Bull. 153: 21; Knoerr, A. & M. Eigo (1963), Arizona's newest copper producer - The Christmas mine, Engr. Mining Jour.: 164: 55; Ross, C.P. (1925b), Geology of the Saddle Mountain and Banner mining districts, USGS Bull. 771; Tainter, S.L. (1948), Christmas copper deposit, Gila Co., AZ, US Bur. of Mines Rept. Inv. 4293; Galbraith, F.W. (1947), Minerals of AZ, AZ Bur. of Mines Bull. 153: 19.]
  		•  'Chlorite Group'
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363.]
  		•  Chrysocolla
    (Cu,Al)
     
    2
    		H
     
    2
    		Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    5
    		(OH)
     
    4
    		·nH
     
    2
    		O
    Description: Moderately common supergene mineral associated with andradite-bearing skarns in the Naco Formation.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 173.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © 2001 John H. Betts
  		•  Clinohedrite
    CaZn[SiO
     
    4
    		] · H
     
    2
    		O
    Habit: Needle-like prismatic; arranged in sprays
    Colour: Pale lavender
    Description: Occurs on fracture surfaces.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 177; Rocks & Min.:60:238; Dr. Sidney Williams, AZ]
  		•  Clintonite
    Ca(Mg,Al)
     
    3
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|Al
     
    3
    		SiO
     
    10
    		]
    Description: Occurs in contact-metamorphosed diorite at the North side, 800 level.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 179, 225.]
  		•  Copper
    Cu
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Galbraith, F.W. (1947), Minerals of AZ, AZ Bur. of Mines Bull. 153: 9.]
  		•  Covellite
    CuS
    Description: Occurs as a replacement product of bornite with secondary chalcocite.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116, 190; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Galbraith, F.W. (1947), Minerals of AZ, AZ Bur. of Mines Bull. 153: 21.]
  		•  Cubanite
    CuFe
     
    2
    		S
     
    3
    Description: As lamellae of probable exsolution origin in chalcopyrite, in the pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite zone pof the lower Martin orebody.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 195; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; ]
  		•  Cuprite
    Cu
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Michael D. Cline
  		•  Cuprite
    var: Chalcotrichite
    Cu
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [Steve Sorrell Collection]
    Site Photo
    Christmas open pit, Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Michael Cline
  		•  Descloizite
    Pb(Zn,Cu)[OH|VO
     
    4
    		]
    Description: As crystals and crystal aggregates.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 201; Trebisky, T.J. & S.B. Keith (1975), Descloizite from the C and B Vanadium mine, Min.Rec.: 6: 109.]
    Site Photo
    C and B Mine (C & B Mine; C. and B. Mine; C & B Group Mine; Vanadium Mine; Vanadium property; International property; Cutler and Bywater Mine), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © JM. Johannet
  		•  Diopside
    CaMg[Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    6
    		]
    Description: Common constituent of hornfels & skarn mineral with tremolite in lower part of Martin orebody.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116, 204, 208.]
  		•  Dioptase
    Cu
     
    6
    		(Si
     
    6
    		O
     
    18
    		)·6H
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 205.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © François Périnet
  		•  Dolomite
    CaMg(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    Reference: [David Shannon Minerals]
  		•  Duftite
    PbCu[OH|AsO
     
    4
    		]
    Colour: Brilliant pea-green
    Description: Occurs as crusts of micro-crystals hidden beneath drusy quartz on which diopside spherules are perched.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 208.]
  		•  Epidote
    {Ca
     
    2
    		}{Al
     
    2
    		Fe
    3+
     
    		}[O|OH|SiO
     
    4
    		|Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    7
    		]
    Description: Occurs as a gangue mineral.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 215; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Ross, C.P. (1925a), Geology and ore deposits of the Aravaipa and Stanley mining districts, Graham Co., AZ, USGS Bull. 763.]
  		•  Forsterite
    Mg
     
    2
    		[SiO
     
    4
    		]
    Description: Occurs as an important constituent of skarns formed in Martin Formation & Escabrosa Limestone; in contact-metamorphosed diorite at North side 800 level.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 179, 225; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Galena
    PbS
    Description: Occurs in small amounts in orebodies replacing dolomite.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 228; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Gilalite (TL)
    Cu
     
    5
    		Si
     
    6
    		O
     
    17
    		·7H
     
    2
    		O
    Type Locality: Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    Colour: Green to blue-green
    Description: Occurs as abundant coatings or thick botryoidal crusts on fracture surfaces or embedded in the rock; replacing diopside; as micro green spheres.
    Reference: [Cesbron, F.P. & S.A. Williams (1980), Apachite and gilalite, two new copper silicates from Christmas, AZ, Min.Mag.: 43: 639-641; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 231, 428.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Elmar Lackner
  		•  Goethite
    α-Fe
    3+
     
    		O(OH)
    Reference: []
  		•  Gold
    Au
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026844, MRDS ID #M000499.]
  		•  Grossular
    Ca
     
    3
    		Al
     
    2
    		[SiO
     
    4
    		]
     
    3
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 358.]
  		•  Hematite
    Fe
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026861, MRDS ID #M000635.]
  		•  Hematite
    var: Specularite
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363.]
  		•  Hemimorphite
    Zn
     
    4
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    7
    		] · H
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: []
  		•  Hisingerite
    Fe
    3+
    2
    		Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    5
    		(OH)
     
    4
    		·2H
     
    2
    		O
    Habit: inclusions in simple calcite rhombs
    Colour: Brownish-red
    Description: Cuprian Hisingerite inclusions in Calcite. One pocket find circa 1979. Identified by Sid Williams.
    Reference: [R.O. Meyer collection]
  		•  Hydrocerussite
    Pb
     
    3
    		(CO
     
    3
    		)
     
    2
    		(OH)
     
    2
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 254.]
  		•  Jarosite
    KFe
    3+
     
     
    3
    		[(OH)
     
    3
    		|SO
     
    4
    		]
     
    2
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026844, MRDS ID #M000499.]
  		•  Junitoite (TL)
    CaZn
     
    2
    		[Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    7
    		] · H
     
    2
    		O
    Type Locality: Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    Colour: Colourless
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 231.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Wm. Wise
  		•  Kinoite
    Ca
     
    2
    		Cu
     
    2
    		(H
     
    2
    		O)
     
    2
    		[Si
     
    3
    		O
     
    10
    		]
    Colour: Electric blue
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 117, 231. ]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Elmar Lackner
  		•  Lanarkite
    Pb
     
    2
    		[O|SO
     
    4
    		]
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 271; Crowley, J.A. (1980), The C. and B. mine, Gila Co., AZ, Min.Rec.: 11: 213-218.]
    Site Photo
    C and B Mine (C & B Mine; C. and B. Mine; C & B Group Mine; Vanadium Mine; Vanadium property; International property; Cutler and Bywater Mine), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © 2005 M. Kampf
  		•  Laumontite
    CaAl
     
    2
    		Si
     
    4
    		O
     
    12
    		·4H
     
    2
    		O
    Description: Occurs in vugs and veinlets in diorite & replacing garnet in skarn.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 272; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Magnetite
    Fe
    2+
     
    		Fe
    3+
    2
    		O
     
    4
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 351, 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116, 284; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 39.]
  		•  Malachite
    Cu
     
    2
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|CO
     
    3
    		]
    Description: A common supergene mineral in skarn developed in the Naco Formation.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 286.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Elmar Lackner
  		•  Mesolite
    Na
     
    2
    		Ca
     
    2
    		[Al
     
    2
    		Si
     
    3
    		O
     
    10
    		]
     
    3
    		 · 8H
     
    2
    		O
    Habit: Fine, hairlike.
    Description: Occurs in hydrothermally altered andesite.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 293.]
  		•  Mimetite
    Pb
     
    5
    		[Cl|(AsO
     
    4
    		)
     
    3
    		]
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 201; Trebisky, T.J. & S.B. Keith (1975), Descloizite from the C and B Vanadium mine, Min.Rec.: 6: 109.]
  		•  Mixite
    BiCu
     
    6
    		[(OH)
     
    6
    		|(AsO
     
    4
    		)
     
    3
    		] · 3H
     
    2
    		O
    Habit: Spherules
    Colour: Peculiar yellow-green
    Description: Spherules of delicate, twisted or matted fibers in cavities in gangue associated with fibrous malachite. Color here resembles creaseyite.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 301.]
  		•  Molybdenite
    MoS
     
    2
    Description: Occurs mainly in the upper levels.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363.]
  		•  Muscovite
    KAl
     
    2
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|AlSi
     
    3
    		O
     
    10
    		]
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 110; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Orthoclase
    K[AlSi
     
    3
    		O
     
    8
    		]
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 110; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Phlogopite
    KMg
     
    3
    		[(OH,F)
     
    2
    		|AlSi
     
    3
    		O
     
    10
    		]
    Description: Occurs associated with talc & tremolite adjacent to anhydrite-sulfide veinlets in diopside hornfels, forming most of footwall of the lower Martin orebody; also in skarn rocks & some of the hornfels.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 326.]
  		•  Pseudomalachite
    Cu
     
    5
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|PO
     
    4
    		]
     
    2
    Reference: []
  		•  Pyrite
    FeS
     
    2
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 341, 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Ross, C.P. (1925b), Geology of the Saddle Mountain and Banner mining districts, USGS Bull. 771.]
  		•  Pyrrhotite
    Fe
     
    7
    		S
     
    8
    		, (-4M), also given as Fe
     
    1-x
    		S (x = 0 - 0.2)
    Description: Common in pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite zone of lower Martin orebody.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 345; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Knoerr, A. & M. Eigo (1963), Arizona's newest copper producer - The Christmas mine, Engr. Mining Jour.: 164: 55.]
  		•  Quartz
    SiO
     
    2
    Description: Occurs as phenocrysts in quartz-mica diorite porphyry.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 351; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 110, 208; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Quartz
    var: Jasper
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026844, MRDS ID #M000499.]
  		•  Rosasite
    (Cu,Zn)
     
    2
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|CO
     
    3
    		]
    Description: Superb spherical Rosasite in forms to 8mm were found on Hemimorphite in a pocket over 2 feet long.
    Reference: [Wilson, W.E., and John S. White Jr., "What's New in Minerals," Mineralogical Record, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp.56-57.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © 2002 John H. Betts
  		•  Ruizite (TL)
    Ca
     
    2
    		Mn
    3+
    2
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|H
     
    2
    		Si
     
    4
    		O
     
    13
    		] · 2H
     
    2
    		O
    Type Locality: Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    Habit: Spherules of radial, acicular crystals.
    Colour: Orange
    Description: Occurs in veinlets & on fracture surfaces in metamorphosed limestone that contains associated minerals.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 231, 358. ]
    Site Photo
    Christmas open pit, Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Bruce Murphy 2007
  		•  Sauconite
    Na
     
    0.3
    		Zn
     
    3
    		(Si,Al)
     
    4
    		O
     
    10
    		(OH)
     
    2
    		·4H
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [No reference listed]
  		•  Scawtite
    Ca
     
    7
    		Si
     
    6
    		(CO
     
    3
    		)O
     
    18
    		·2H
     
    2
    		O
    Description: As tiny, euhedral prisms projecting into vugs in grossular-diopside tactites.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 362.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Wm. Wise (2006)
  		•  Sepiolite
    Mg
     
    4
    		Si
     
    6
    		O
     
    15
    		(OH)
     
    2
    		·6H
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 358.]
  		•  'Sericite'
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026861, MRDS ID #M000635.]
  		•  'Serpentine Group'
    D
     
    2
    		[Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    5
    		](OH)4 + or - nH
     
    2
    		O
    Description: Occurs replacing dolomite and forsterite in the orebodies.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 368; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Silver
    Ag
    Reference: [David Shannon Minerals]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Brent Thorne 2007
  		•  'Smectite Group'
    A
     
    0.3
    		D
     
    2-3
    		[T
     
    4
    		O
     
    10
    		]Z
     
    2
    		·nH
     
    2
    		O
    Colour: Pink
    Description: As rings around nuggets of unaltered sphalerite.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 264; Williams, S.A. (1976), Junitoite, a new hydrated calcium zinc silicate from Christmas, AZ, Am.Min.: 61: 1255-1258.]
  		•  Sphalerite
    (Zn,Fe
    2+
     
    		)S
    Description: A moderately common sulfide mineral in skarn.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 377; Knoerr, A. & M. Eigo (1963), Arizona's newest copper producer - The Christmas mine, Engr. Mining Jour.: 164: 55.]
  		•  'Stilbite'
    Habit: Prismatic
    Colour: Light pink
    Description: Most common zeolite in hydrothermally altered diorite; in veinlets with associated sulfides; locally replaces diorite pervasively; also radiating clusters of prismatic crystals lining vugs in diorite.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 382-383.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Michael D. Cline
  		•  Stringhamite
    CaCu[SiO
     
    4
    		] · H
     
    2
    		O
    Reference: [Handbook of Mineralolgy Vol. II Silica, Silicates, Part 2 pg.760. Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Wm. Wise (2006)
  		•  Talc
    Mg
     
    3
    		Si
     
    4
    		O
     
    10
    		(OH)
     
    2
    Description: Occurs associated with phlogopite & tremolite adjacent to anhydrite-sulfide veinlets in diopside hornfels.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 326, 388; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Tenorite
    CuO
    Reference: [MRDS database Dep. ID #10026861, MRDS ID #M000635.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Elmar Lackner
  		•  Tobermorite
    Ca
     
    5
    		Si
     
    6
    		(O,OH)
     
    18
    		·5H
     
    2
    		O
    Habit: Plates
    Colour: Pearly-white
    Description: Occurs as rare plates plastered on fracture surfaces in metalimestone.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 397, 428; Cesbron, F.P. & S.A. Williams (1980), Apachite and gilalite, two new copper silicates from Christmas, AZ, Min.Mag.: 43: 639-641.]
  		•  Tremolite
    ☐[Ca
     
    2
    		][Mg
     
    5
    		][(OH)
     
    2
    		|Si
     
    8
    		O
     
    22
    		]
    Description: Occurs associated with talc & phlogopite adjacent to anhydrite-sulfide veinlets in diopside hornfels; formed through contact metamorphism of dolomitic rocks.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 116, 326, 401; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Valleriite
    (Fe
    2+
     
    		,Cu)
     
    4
    		(Mg,Al)
     
    3
    		[(OH,O)
     
    6
    		|S
     
    4
    		]
    Description: Rod-shaped grains in chalcopyrite in pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite outer ore zone of orebodies, replacing dolomite.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 409; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: "Handbook of Mineralogy", Vol. 1, 1990.]
  		•  Vanadinite
    Pb
     
    5
    		[Cl|(VO
     
    4
    		)
     
    3
    		]
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 201, 410; Trebisky, T.J. & S.B. Keith (1975), Descloizite from the C and B Vanadium mine, Min.Rec.: 6: 109; Allen, M.A. & G.M. Butler (1921c), Vanadium, AZ Bur. of Mines Bull. 115; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 80.]
  		•  Vesuvianite
    Ca
     
    10
    		(Mg,Fe)
     
    2
    		Al
     
    4
    		Si
     
    9
    		O
     
    34
    		(OH)
     
    4
    Description: Occurs as fibrous masses showing anomalous birefringence & color zoning; moderately common in contact-metamorphosed diorite at North side, 800 level.
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 179, 225, 358, 414; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Ross, C.P. (1925b), Geology of the Saddle Mountain and Banner mining districts, USGS Bull. 771.]
  		•  Whelanite
    Ca
     
    5
    		Cu
     
    2
    		[(OH)
     
    2
    		|CO
     
    3
    		|Si
     
    6
    		O
     
    17
    		] · 4H
     
    2
    		O (?)
    Habit: Prismatic
    Colour: Turquoise-blue
    Description: Moderately abundant as cleavable prisms to several cm long.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 419.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Wm. Wise (2006)
  		•  Wollastonite
    Ca[SiO
     
    3
    		]
    Reference: [Peterson, Nels P. & Swanson (1956), USGS Bull. 1027-H, Geology of the Christmas Copper Mine, Gila Co., AZ: 363; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 424; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270; Ross, C.P. (1925a), Geology and ore deposits of the Aravaipa and Stanley mining districts, Graham Co., AZ, USGS Bull. 763; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 91.]
  		•  Wulfenite
    Pb[MoO
     
    4
    		]
    Reference: [Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 80.]
  		•  Xonotlite
    Ca
     
    6
    		Si
     
    6
    		O
     
    17
    		(OH)
     
    2
    Description: Occurs with an assemblage of retrograde metamorphic minerals including tobermorite, apachite & gilalite.
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 358, 428; Cesbron, F.P. & S.A. Williams (1980), Apachite and gilalite, two new copper silicates from Christmas, AZ, Min.Mag.: 43: 639-641.]
    Site Photo
    Christmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
    © Wm. Wise (2006)
  		•  Zoisite
    {Ca
     
    2
    		}{Al
     
    3
    		}[O|OH|SiO
     
    4
    		|Si
     
    2
    		O
     
    7
    		]
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 432; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]
  		•  Zoisite
    var: Thulite
    Reference: [Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 432; Perry, D.V. (1969), Skarn genesis at the Christmas mine, Gila Co., AZ, Econ.Geol.: 64: 255-270.]


    87 entries listed. 75 valid minerals. 4 type localities (valid minerals).

    Localities in this Region:
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Gila Co.
        • Dripping Spring Mts
          • Banner District
            • Christmas area
              • Christmas

    The above list contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database!
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    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2009. Jobs in Arizona, USA Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them.Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register. Current server date and time: 26th Nov 2009 07:39:53