Finch Mine

The Finch Mine sits in the heart of Gila County, Arizona, within the Banner Mining District. It's nestled near the ghost town of Chilito and the town of Hayden, placing it in the southeastern part of the state, known for its rugged desert landscapes and rich mining history. The exact coordinates, 33° 3' 24'' North, 110° 48' 29'' West, pinpoint it in a region dotted with other historical mines, offering a treasure trove for exploration.

This mine is a polymetallic wonder, yielding lead, vanadium, copper, silver, molybdenum, and gold. However, it's the vibrant wulfenite and vanadinite crystals that steal the show for collectors. Wulfenite, a lead molybdate, and vanadinite, a lead vanadate, are celebrated for their striking colors and unique formations, making the Finch Mine a must-visit for mineral enthusiasts.

The geology here is a complex tapestry, with rock types spanning pre-Cambrian to Tertiary ages. The ore deposits are tied to early Tertiary quartz-mica diorite intrusions, suggesting formation through hydrothermal activity or the oxidation of primary sulfide minerals. The mine's tunnel follows a contact zone, where different rock types meet, often leading to rich mineral veins.

The Finch Mine, part of the Kullman-McCool group, was active in the early 20th century, likely during Chilito's heyday from 1913 to 1918. It was worked for vanadium, molybdenum, and other metals, but specific dates are scarce. Now a former mine, it stands as a historical site, drawing collectors and historians to its abandoned tunnels.

The area around the mine reflects a fading mining town culture, with Hayden nearby, once a bustling copper hub founded in 1909 by Kennecott Copper Corp. Today, it faces decline due to pollution and crime, becoming a ghost town. The climate is classic desert, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, averaging 14 inches of rain annually and temperatures ranging from the 30s to 90s. The ecology features cacti and desert-adapted wildlife, painting a picture of arid resilience.