Magdalena, New Mexico. Known for Smithsonite, a zinc ore. Beautiful country all around.
A proud rock shop owner known simply as Otero, displays his rough material and his cabs, the findings made by a native woman silversmith.
To know more about Smithsonite, named for the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, watch this video:
Read more about the mine, its small dig fee, directions, and the beautiful town of Magdalena in my upcoming book.