The Kelly Mine, located in the Magdalena Mining District of Socorro County, New Mexico, emerged in the late 19th century as a major producer of lead, zinc, silver, and other metals, driving the rapid growth of the boomtown of Kelly. Mining began in the late 1870s, and expansion accelerated in the 1880s with improved rail connections that linked the district to regional and national markets. By the early 20th century, large companies such as the Empire Zinc Company consolidated operations, with zinc and lead becoming the mine’s primary products. As ore bodies were depleted and metal prices fluctuated, mining activity declined during the 1920s and 1930s. By the mid-1940s the town was largely abandoned, leaving behind prominent mine structures and ruins that today mark Kelly as a notable New Mexico ghost town and historic mining site. Final commercial mining ceased in 1957. The site is still mined for mineral specimens privately.
This example of smithsonite from the Kelly Mine is a much lesser seen brown, which is actually a classic color for older Kelly material! With a label detailing provenance to 1967, this specimen could also be from the 3 level the field collector label notes, but is denoted as 5 level. Lustrous spherules of smithsonite fill a vug in limonitic matrix. Overall, this is an amazing addition to any collector of antique, USA, or old mine locales!
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(3.4 × 2.4 × 1.6 in - 8.6 × 6.0 × 4.0 cm) 5.2oz / 147g
Orders ship Mondays
The Kelly Mine, located in the Magdalena Mining District of Socorro County, New Mexico, emerged in the late 19th century as a major producer of lead, zinc, silver, and other metals, driving the rapid growth of the boomtown of Kelly. Mining began in the late 1870s, and expansion accelerated in the 1880s with improved rail connections that linked the district to regional and national markets. By the early 20th century, large companies such as the Empire Zinc Company consolidated operations, with zinc and lead becoming the mine’s primary products. As ore bodies were depleted and metal prices fluctuated, mining activity declined during the 1920s and 1930s. By the mid-1940s the town was largely abandoned, leaving behind prominent mine structures and ruins that today mark Kelly as a notable New Mexico ghost town and historic mining site. Final commercial mining ceased in 1957. The site is still mined for mineral specimens privately.
This example of smithsonite from the Kelly Mine is a much lesser seen brown, which is actually a classic color for older Kelly material! With a label detailing provenance to 1967, this specimen could also be from the 3 level the field collector label notes, but is denoted as 5 level. Lustrous spherules of smithsonite fill a vug in limonitic matrix. Overall, this is an amazing addition to any collector of antique, USA, or old mine locales!
Thank you so much for viewing! Please message for any further information
(3.4 × 2.4 × 1.6 in - 8.6 × 6.0 × 4.0 cm) 5.2oz / 147g
Orders ship Mondays
