Apex mine

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of northern Mexico, the Apex mine sits in San Carlos, within the Manuel Benavides Municipality of Chihuahua, just a stone’s throw from the U.S. border. It’s about 20 km southwest of the Rio Grande, placing it near the twin border towns of Ojinaga, Mexico, and Presidio, Texas, making it a gateway for cross-border mineral enthusiasts. For those exploring further, San Pedro Corralitos, famous for its mimetite, lies approximately 60 miles away, offering another gem for collectors.

The Apex mine is a treasure trove for crystal lovers, particularly known for its stunning vanadinite and wulfenite. Vanadinite, with its vibrant red and orange hues, and wulfenite, often butterscotch-colored, are standout finds, with some wulfenite crystals reaching up to 7 cm. These minerals, formed in the skarn environment, are prized for their rarity and unique crystal structures, making the mine a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking uncommon specimens.

The mine’s geology is a fascinating blend of skarn and carbonate replacement deposits, shaped by the interaction of magma with limestone in the Sierra San Carlos. This process created a rich mix of minerals, with vanadinite and wulfenite emerging from the oxidized magnetite-rich zones. It’s a story of fiery geological forces meeting ancient rock, resulting in a mineralogical spectacle.

Active primarily from the 1930s to the 1950s under ASARCO, the Apex mine has a storied past, with significant vanadinite discoveries in 2018 and 2019 adding to its legacy. Though no longer operational, its history is marked by small-scale operations, focusing on lead and zinc, with local residents likely playing a role in early collecting efforts. It’s a site where history and mineral hunting intertwine.

San Carlos, also known as Manuel Benavides, is a quiet town with deep historical roots, once a military presidio in the 18th century. Its culture is enriched by nearby natural wonders, like man-made lakes and ancient ruins, offering a glimpse into the region’s past. The mining history ties it to the broader narrative of Chihuahua’s mineral wealth, with local stories likely echoing through the desert.

The desert climate of the region, with its arid conditions, has shaped the mine’s mineral formation, favoring the development of vanadinite and wulfenite. The ecology, marked by sparse vegetation and rugged terrain, reflects the harsh environment, yet nearby lakes provide oases for wildlife and visitors, connecting the mine’s story to the broader landscape.