Cyanotrichite (VERY OLD TYPE LOCALITY) & Brochantite

Item Description

Mineral specimens from this ancient European mining district are few and far between and this old specimen of "Lettsomite" turns out to be actually much more interesting in hindsight, as the species today is labelled as cyanotrichite and this is the type locality. This excellent combination piece centers on the Cyanotrichite, for which the Moldova Noua Mine is the TYPE LOCALITY. Interestingly, the Cyanotrichite has multiple habits, ranging from small, lustrous, half-millimeter balls to a habit that is more acicular and felted. There are a few small clusters of vivid blue Azurite, and all are accented by electric green sprays of Brochantite. The main pocket in the matrix is a full 2 cm across, but significant mineralization can be found several places on this small cabinet specimen. Mining of this Porphyry Cu-Mo deposit began in Roman times, and venerable, old-time pieces like this are simply difficult to find. OLD labels included. From the noted historic classics collection of Richard 'Dick' Hauck of New Jersey.