Cyanotrichite
Cyanotrichite is a rare copper that is secondary present in the oxidation zones of copper-bearing ore bodies. It happens as small acicular or crystals which are hair-like into radial clusters like miniature cotton balls. It has a sky that is wonderful to azure blue color and is frequently related to bright green Brochantite crystals creating beautiful mineral specimens for collectors. Cyanotrichite gets its title from the Greek words for blue hair due to its crystals being hair-like. This mineral is for specimen collectors and isn’t available as a gem.
Cyanotrichite is found in many localities worldwide including these notable occurances: Vieja Mine, Potrerillos, Chañaral Province, Atacama Region, Chile; Salsigne, Mas-Cabardès, Carcassonne, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France; in america, exemplary specimens from the Grandview Mine, Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino County, Arizona; big sprays from the Mex-Tex mine, near Bingham, Hansonburg district, Socorro County, brand new Mexico; the Eagle that is american mine Tintic region, Juab County, Utah; fine examples from the Peacock mine, near Leadore, Lemhi County, Idaho.
| Category: | Sulfate minerals |
| Formula: | Cu4Al2[(OH)12|SO4]·2H2O |
| Crystallography: | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal Habit: | Crystals are acicular [001], to 3 cm; maybe cotton ball-like, commonly in radially fibrous and plush like tufted aggregates forming incrustations. |
| Twinning: | None |
| Cleavage: | None |
| Fracture: | Irregular/Uneven |
| Tenacity: | Brittle |
| Hardness (Mohs): | 1-3 |
| Density: | 2.74 – 2.95 (g/cm3) |
| Luminescence: | None |
| Radioactivity: | Not Radioactive |
| Color: | Sky-Blue to Azure-Blue |
| Transparency: | Transparent to Translucent |
| Luster: | Silky |
| Refractive Index: | 1.588 – 1.655 Biaxial ( + ) |
| Birefringence: | 0.0670 |
| Dispersion: | Relatively Strong |
| Pleochroism: | X = colorless; Y = pale blue; Z = bright blue |
