Cyanotrichite (rare locality specimen)

Item Description

Here we have an impressive large cabinet specimen of Cyanotrichite from this puzzling locality in Idaho. Cyanotrichite is a fairly rare copper sulfate mineral which isn't found in many localities in the United States. I think most people would agree that the Grand View Mine in Arizona is most well-known locality for the species. With that said, the second most productive mine would be the Peacock Mine in Lemhi County, Idaho. This piece features attractive vivid blue colored patches of Cyanotrichite associated with green Malachite on oxidized matrix. It's one of the biggest pieces of the material that we've had to offer, and certainly a must-have for any fan of secondary ore minerals, or specimens from Idaho.
N.B.: I couldn't find any info about this mine, but years ago, while doing a bit of research I found a good article from Lanny Ream on his website about how the Peacock Mine is probably NOT the locality for this material, and may have never produced these specimens at all. Today, it's all still labeled as coming from the Peacock Mine, but in the article, Lanny says that he and a friend found specimens of Cyanotrichite, Azurite and Malachite at the Iron Dyke Mine in Stroud Gulch (just east of the Peacock Mine). Lanny states "What is apparently the Peacock Mine, presently shows no mineralization at all. Not one scrap of azurite, cyanotrichite or malachite can be seen on the dumps or workings." Interesting stuff.
From the collection of Geary Murdock.