Aztec Mine

Arizona

Find: Malachite, chalcocite, bornite, sericite, and more

GPS: 31.51000,-110.74833

Nearest city: Nogales, AZ

Recommended Vehicle: High clearance 4x4

Summary:

This site is an abandoned mine. The locations is hazardous is not recommended for families.

The Aztec Mine is located near the small mining town of Patagonia, near the Southernmost portion of Arizona. It is one of the most picturesque regions I have had the chance to visit.

The mine was created in a region that contained gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. I specifically visited to look for copper minerals such as malachite and chrysocolla in the tailings pile.

The entry to the mine appears to be nearly collapsed but documentation online makes it sound like the tunneling within is very extensive. I did not enter this mine and would recommend against it.

 

Video Guide

For the best experience, check out the video guide. I show how I found my best pieces and challenges you might face along the way.

I drove into this spot on all-season Firestone tires. That was pushing the limits and I could have easily cut a tire on the jagged stones.

I drove into this spot on all-season Firestone tires. That was pushing the limits and I could have easily cut a tire on the jagged stones.

Here's what it looks like just after the little parking loop. You cross a small stream and walk up this path to get to the mine.

Here's what it looks like just after the little parking loop. You cross a small stream and walk up this path to get to the mine.

Here is what's left of the mine entrance.

Here is what's left of the mine entrance.

I believe this is some very low grade malachite.

I believe this is some very low grade malachite.

More of the same. It's slightly more green than blue, so I'm going with malachite.

More of the same. It's slightly more green than blue, so I'm going with malachite.

This looks closer to chrysocolla. When broken open, it's fairly resilient compared to the greener malachite.

This looks closer to chrysocolla. When broken open, it's fairly resilient compared to the greener malachite.

And a little wash-up in the stream.

And a little wash-up in the stream.