Adamite (Copper-bearing)

Item Description

Adamite is a popular secondary ore species, most famously found at localities like the Ojuela Mine in Mexico, but the ancient copper mines around Lavrion (Laurion), Greece have also produced some iconic examples of the species. This is a newly mined eye-catching specimen of Copper-bearing Adamite featuring rich blue-green colored, spherical aggregates on matrix. The quality and color is excellent, and the upper portion of some of the "balls" glow with color when backlit. Obviously, the Adamites are best seen under higher magnification, but they are very attractive up close. If you collect minerals from Lavrion don't miss out on this one, as they are not seen on the market these days. Even though this piece was recently collected, it's quite similar to the old classic specimens from years ago. The famous mines around this historic district have produced some of the most well known and distinctive minerals from any European locality. Mining took place around this area as far back as the Bronze Age as analysis of ancient isotopes of lead in the objects from that time indicate they were manufactured, in large part, with metal from the Laurion.