Glove Mine (Sunrise Mine)

Mindat.org

Glove Mine group (Zombie & Zeco claims; Festiago-Franklin; Blacksmith adit), Cottonwood Canyon, Tyndall Mining District, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, USA

Loading...

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

  • The Glove Mine is located in Cottonwood Canyon, Tyndall Mining District, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, USA, east of Amado, at 4,224 feet altitude, in the Santa Rita Mountains.

  • It produces lead, zinc, silver, copper, gold, and molybdenum, with notable wulfenite and smithsonite for collectors.

  • Research suggests the mine's geology involves Paleozoic limestone with skarn mineralization from hydrothermal activity.

  • Mining started in 1907, with significant production from the 1950s, owned by various companies, and is now closed to collectors after a 2011 fire.

  • The area has a rich mining history and is part of the Coronado National Forest, known for birdwatching in Madera Canyon.

  • The climate is semi-arid, with diverse ecology from desert scrub to pine forests, likely oak-juniper at the mine's elevation.

Location and Geography

The Glove Mine is nestled in the rugged terrain of Cottonwood Canyon, within the Tyndall Mining District of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, USA. It's east of the small town of Amado, at an elevation of 4,224 feet, and part of the scenic Santa Rita Mountains, known for their natural beauty and mineral wealth. This location is about 40 miles southeast of Tucson, near the border with Mexico, offering a remote yet accessible spot for enthusiasts.

Minerals and Geology

The mine is a treasure trove for mineral collectors, producing lead, zinc, silver, copper, gold, and molybdenum. Notably, it yields stunning wulfenite and smithsonite, prized for their vibrant colors and rarity. The evidence leans toward the mine being in Paleozoic limestone, mineralized by hydrothermal fluids associated with igneous intrusions, forming polymetallic skarn deposits—a fascinating process for geology buffs.

Mining History and Culture

Claimed in 1907, the mine saw significant production from the 1950s, owned by companies like Sheehy and Sierrita Mining. By 1982, it shipped 50 tons of ore daily, but a 2011 fire closed it to collectors, adding a layer of historical intrigue. The surrounding area, part of the Coronado National Forest, has a deep mining heritage, with Madera Canyon nearby, famous for birdwatching, blending industrial and natural allure.

Climate and Ecology

The region enjoys a semi-arid climate, typical of the Sonoran Desert, with hot summers and mild winters. At 4,224 feet, the mine likely sits in oak-juniper or pine-oak forest, part of a diverse ecosystem ranging from desert scrub to pine forests, offering a rich habitat for flora and fauna, enhancing the area's appeal for nature lovers.

Citations