State Mineral

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Wulfenite became the official state mineral in 2017, according to A.R.S. § 41-860.04, thanks to the efforts of University of Arizona genealogist Alexander Schauss.

The mineral is named after Austrian mineralogist Franz Xaver von Wulfen. However, the mineral was originally called melinose, which comes from the Green word meli (honey) due to its honey-colored crystals. Wulfenite is found in oxidized areas of lead-bearing deposits throughout Arizona, especially in Pima, La Paz, Maricopa, and Gila counties. It was also the theme for the 65th Annual Tucson Gen and Mineral Show in 2020.

Sources:

Ascarza, William. "Wulfenite, Arizona's state mineral, is theme for current Tucson gem show." Arizona Daily Star. April 12, 2020. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://tucson.com/news/local/wulfenite-arizona-s-state-mineral-is-theme-for-current-tucson/article_00d6cbc2-80bb-57fd-8288-9ba0f189041f.html

Hammon, Sara. "Wulfenite Joins Other State Symbols as Official Mineral." Arizona Public Media. May 16, 2017. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://news.azpm.org/p/news-articles/2017/5/16/110679-wulfenite-joins-other-state-symbols-as-official-mineral/?google_editors_picks=true

Image source: Wulfenite from Red Cloud mine, Arizona by Ivar Leidus. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wulfenite#/media/File:Wulfenite_-_Red_Cloud_mine,_La_Paz_Co.,_Arizona,_USA.jpg