Flux Mine (Goshen Mine)

The Flux Mine is nestled in the Patagonia Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, USA, at coordinates 31° 29' 17'' North, 110° 45' 15'' West. It's about 4 miles south of Patagonia, a quaint town famous for its birding attractions, and part of the historic Harshaw Mining District. This region, close to the Mexican border, is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, making it a fascinating spot for mineral enthusiasts.

The mine is notable for producing a variety of minerals, including zinc, lead, copper, silver, gold, and manganese. Specific minerals identified include acanthite, alum group, anglesite, aurichalcite, cerussite, chalcopyrite, chlorite group, chrysocolla, epidote, galena, goethite, halotrichite, hematite, hemimorphite, hornblende, jarosite, kaolinite, limonite, linarite, massicot, minium, muscovite, psilomelane, pyrite, pyrolusite, pyromorphite, quartz, saponite, serpierite, siderite, sphalerite, and vanadinite. Among these, aurichalcite, serpierite, and vanadinite stand out as particularly rare, attracting collectors.

The geological setting of the Flux Mine is complex, featuring intersecting quartz-lode veins with irregular ore shoots. These veins are associated with a fault zone involving Jurassic-Triassic volcanics, Paleozoic limestone, and Cretaceous shale. The Flux lode, a north-south trending shear zone, narrows with depth and has undergone strong brecciation and various wall rock alterations, contributing to its rich mineral deposits.

Discovered in the early 1850s by Mexican miners and relocated in 1878, the Flux Mine began production in 1884 and continued until 1963. It changed hands multiple times, with notable owners including ASARCO, a major mining company. The mine's workings extend over 5,000 feet, with multiple levels and shafts, and was reclaimed in 2011 by the U.S. Forest Service, sealing adits and shafts for safety.

The Harshaw Mining District, where the mine is located, was once a bustling area with the town of Harshaw reaching a population of around 2,000. Today, nearby Patagonia is a charming destination known for the Paton Center for Hummingbirds and a vibrant arts and crafts scene, reflecting its small-town charm and historical ties to mining. The area, part of the Sky Islands, offers a blend of history and natural attractions.

Patagonia enjoys a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters, characterized by abundant sunshine and low precipitation. This climate supports diverse ecosystems, from riparian habitats along Sonoita Creek to high-elevation forests in the mountains. The region is a haven for birdwatching and outdoor activities, with attractions like Patagonia Lake State Park enhancing its ecological appeal.