Sierra de Cruces

Sierra de Cruces lies in northern Mexico, within Coahuila's Sierra Mojada Municipality, part of the expansive Chihuahuan Desert. This arid region, with coordinates approximately 27° 58' 30'' N, 103° 41' 49'' W, is near the town of Sierra Mojada, the municipal seat, offering a rugged, desert landscape that mineral enthusiasts will find intriguing.

The locality is famous for its raspberry-colored grossular garnets and mustard-yellow vesuvianite crystals. These minerals are products of skarn deposits, formed when an alkaline diorite intrusion interacted with Cretaceous limestones, creating a metamorphic environment rich in these sought-after specimens.

Collecting here dates back to the 1950s, with mineral dealer George Burnham initially mislabeling specimens as from Lake Jaco. A significant discovery in 1974 by a local rancher, identified as grossular, led to claim staking, suggesting ongoing small-scale mining by local collectors, adding to its allure for enthusiasts.

Sierra Mojada, nearby, is linked to the legend of Ambrose Bierce's execution in 1913 and saw Italian miners in the late 19th century, enriching its cultural tapestry. The climate is hot and dry, typical of the desert, with flora and fauna adapted to such conditions, offering a unique backdrop for exploration.