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Chemical Formula | Cu4Al2SO4(OH)12 · 2H2O |
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Composition | Basic hydrous copper aluminum sulfate |
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Color | Bright blue |
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Streak | Light blue |
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Hardness | 1 - 3. Indeterminable because of the fragile aggregates |
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Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
(Orthorhombic) Usually occurs as scattered groups of radiating or acicular crystals. Also occurs in ball-like aggregates of tiny, slender crystals, as plush, wool-like needle groupings, and as crusty groupings of tiny needles. |
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Transparency | Translucent |
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Specific Gravity | 2.7 - 2.8 |
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Luster | Silky |
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Cleavage | None |
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Fracture | Splintery |
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Tenacity | Brittle |
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Other Names |  Velvet Copper Ore, Lettsomite |
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In Group | Sulfates ; Hydrous sulfates |
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All About | Cyanotrichite is an extremely fragile mineral, and handling should be avoided, for even a slight touch can destroy a crystal grouping. Cyanotrichite crystals rub off and leave a blue residue of tiny crystals on a surface. |
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Uses | Cyanotrichite is too rare to be an ore of copper, but it is a very popular mineral among micromount collectors. |
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Striking Features | Crystal aggregates and bright blue color |
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Popularity (1-4) | 3 |
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Prevalence (1-3) | 3 |
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Demand (1-3) | 3 |
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Distinguishing Similar Minerals |
Aurichalcite - greener in color Azurite - darker blue |
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Commonly Occurs With |
Malachite, Azurite, Brochantite, Smithsonite |
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Noteworthy Localities |
Cyanotrichite is an uncommon secondary mineral found in the oxidation zone of copper deposits. It is found in
Laurium, Greece; Cap Garonne, France; the Leadhills of
Scotland; Cornwall, England; and Namaqualand, South
Africa. In the U.S., it has come from the Grandview Mine near the Grand Canyon, in Concino Co., Arizona; the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona; the American Eagle Mine in the Tintic District in Juab Co., Utah; and the Majuba Hill mine, Pershing Co., Nevada. |
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