Description
A fine specimen with well formed intergrown, amber coloured Baryte crystals perched on glistening Quartz crystals. The Baryte here is sharp edged and highly lustrous with good terminations. Classic and aesthetic old-time material from a long-time defunct locality. The Juanita mine was the first claim of "Old Hutch" Hutchison in 1866, and thus the oldest claim in the Kelly region. It was purchased by attorney and former Senator T. B. Catron in 1915 upon settling the estate when Old Hutch died in 1914. Catron, in turn, leased it to Mines & Metal Co. of Kelly 1915-1928. Others worked the mine until closed in 1937. The Juanita was an active mine throughout Kelly´s mining days. In spite of rather extensive underground workings, it was not an especially profitable mine with modest output of lead and zinc, though did produce 23,352 ounces of silver 1905-1937. (mindat)