About Morenci Mine, Arizona
Morenci Mine is the largest copper mine in North America and is located in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona. The Morenci mine is a commercialised mine for mining copper and copper-related minerals and is owned by Freeport McMoran in southeastern Arizona.
Mining in Morenci started underground in the 1870s, and by 1889, it had become a full-blown mining operation. Since then, till today, it has mined billions of copper minerals, making it the largest copper mine in North America. What lies in the rocks is nearly still about 10 million tons of copper, and mining will still be ongoing till 2041.
What Can Be Found in Morenci Mine?
Morenci Mine is still an active mine producing copper ore and other copper-like minerals; here is what you will find if you visit the Morenci Mine:
- Copper: Copper ore is the dominant mineral you will find here. The copper here is formed through hydrothermal processes; hot, mineral-rich fluids circulating through cracks in the Earth's crust. The cooling of these fluids results in copper precipitating out and forming veins or massive deposits in the rock. Copper is mostly used in the electrical and plumbing industries.
Other minerals you will find are formed from the oxidation of copper sulfide ores, making them Secondary copper minerals. They are:
- Azurites: These deep blue crystals formed in oxidised copper zones are one of the minerals mined in the Morenci Mine. They are crystallised in a monoclinic system, and are typically used to make jewelry and ornamental materials.
- Malachite: This bright green copper sulfate mineral forms round masses on copper ore. Very much related to azurites. Typically used as a mineral pigment in green paints and in making decorative materials.
- Chryscolla: Retrieved from the oxidised zones of copper deposits, and very much related to azurite and malachite. It is mostly used as a gemstone for carvings and making ornamental objects, as well as jewelry. It is also often used by silversmiths and goldsmiths in place of turquoise because it is easy to shape.
- Brocantite: Shaped like copper and greenish in color, this sulfate mineral is formed from crystalline clusters and typically used to make jewelry and decorative objects.
Due to the use of heavy mechanisation processes while mining, these other minerals now rarely occur around here, and might be a little hard to find.
Copper Ore
Azurite
Chrysocolla
Location of Morenci Mine
The mine is still active and privately owned by Freeport McMoran. You can come down here to learn about the mining history as part of the open mine beyond Clifton.
Rockhounding is not permitted here due to active operations, and the mine no longer offers tours. However, you can search for other related minerals such as azurite, malachite, brochantite, etc, from surrounding areas close to the mine. Much of the area is privately owned, so you might need to do proper research before visiting.
The Morenci Mine runs through the middle of Highway 191, and visitors usually drive on Highway 191 to get an up-close view of the mine.
Recommended Tips and Gears
Recommended Tips
Here are some useful tips that could help you if you intend to visit the mine:
- Stay off the Mines: Entry is not allowed into the mine, as heavy mining goes on there. You are better off viewing the mine from Highway 191.
- Research: If you are going to rockhound in the nearby areas to copper-related minerals, it is in your best interest to research and ask for permission before going into those areas.
Recommended Gear
Before going down there, here are recommended items to go with:
- Camera: You will need a camera for documentation purposes. Take pictures and videos of the mine view, and document your journey.
- Comfortable wear: It is best to wear shoes and clothes you are comfortable with.
- Guides and maps: Go with a map or a guide; this will help you locate the mine easily and navigate the terrain.
- Water and snacks: To keep yourself refreshed during this journey, go with your water and snacks. See our recommended water and snacks for such a purpose here.
- Sun Protection: Bring along with you a sunscreen, sunglasses, and even a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Recommended Gear
Final Thoughts
The Morenci Mine stands as one of the most remarkable mining sites in the United States, both for its size and historical significance. While active mining prevents direct rockhounding inside the mine, the area remains a fascinating destination for history lovers, geology enthusiasts, and travelers passing through southeastern Arizona.
If you're planning to visit, remember that access is limited, but you can still enjoy breathtaking views from Highway 191 and explore nearby areas for copper-related minerals, always with permission and proper research.
Other Sites in Arizona
Arizona also has other interesting sites you can explore for rockhounding purposes. Here are some other sites you can explore for gemstones and crystal rocks.
Guidebooks For Arizona
Arizona is famous for its beautiful gemstones like peridots, jasper, peridots, as well as other gems. If you want to dive deeper into the state's unique rockhounding history and gemstones, these guidebooks are excellent resources