A striking fluorescent Adamite specimen from the renowned Ojuela Mine in Mapimí, Durango, Mexico, featuring translucent yellow-green to lime-green Adamite crystals dramatically contrasted against a rich reddish-brown Limonite and iron oxide matrix.

This specimen consists of Adamite, with the chemical formula Zn₂(AsO₄)(OH), on its natural iron-rich matrix. The crystals display yellow-green to lime-green coloration with a vitreous luster and translucent areas. The specimen measures approximately 1 inch long × 3/4 inch wide × 5/8 inch high and weighs approximately 0.4 ounce, or 11.3 grams, placing it within the thumbnail-size mineral category.

The Adamite forms prominent crystalline growths across the matrix, including substantial green crystal development with visible faces, translucency and bright reflective surfaces. Additional paler yellow-green to nearly colorless crystalline material extends through the matrix, creating an attractive three-dimensional specimen with visual interest from multiple angles. The rusty orange and reddish-brown matrix provides a strong natural contrast with the green Adamite.

Under ultraviolet illumination, the green Adamite produces an intense neon-green fluorescent response. The transformation is dramatic, with the softer yellow-green coloration seen under normal illumination becoming a brilliant electric green under UV light. This strong fluorescence gives the specimen an entirely different appearance under ultraviolet illumination and makes it especially desirable for both classic mineral collections and fluorescent mineral displays.

Adamite is a zinc arsenate hydroxide mineral with the chemical formula Zn₂(AsO₄)(OH). It forms primarily as a secondary mineral within the oxidized zones of zinc-bearing ore deposits. The Ojuela Mine at Mapimí, Durango, Mexico is one of the world’s classic mineral localities and is particularly celebrated among collectors for its exceptional Adamite specimens. Material from this locality occurs in a range of colors and crystal habits, with yellow, yellow-green and green Adamite among its most recognizable mineral specimens.

The reddish-brown Limonite and iron oxide matrix reflects the oxidized mineral environment in which Ojuela Adamite forms. This combination of translucent green crystals against richly colored iron-bearing matrix creates the distinctive contrast associated with many fine Adamite specimens from this historic Mexican locality.

Metaphysically, Adamite is associated with joy, optimism, emotional clarity and renewed enthusiasm. Its uplifting energy encourages confidence, creativity and the ability to move forward with greater purpose. Green Adamite is particularly connected with the heart chakra and is valued for promoting emotional balance, compassion, openness and personal growth. It is also associated with clearing stagnant energy, strengthening motivation and helping bring thoughts, emotions and intentions into greater alignment. Its vivid fluorescence adds symbolism of transformation, illumination and hidden potential.

This specimen comes from the Brett Kelly Collection. The Brett Kelly Collection was subsequently acquired by Traders Loan & Jewelry in Reseda, California, preserving the specimen’s collector provenance as it became part of the Traders Loan & Jewelry mineral collection.

The specimen is in collectible natural mineral condition with substantial green Adamite crystallization attached to its original iron-rich matrix. Multiple crystalline formations are present, with natural variations in color, transparency, crystal habit and matrix coverage characteristic of a naturally formed mineral specimen. The specimen pictured is the exact specimen being offered, allowing the buyer to receive the same individual piece described here rather than a representative example.

Mineral Identification Disclaimer:

Every effort has been made to accurately identify and describe this specimen using available reference materials, labels, provenance, and careful visual examination. While I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a professionally trained mineralogist or gemologist, and inadvertent errors in mineral identification, locality attribution, or other descriptive information may occasionally occur.