Tyrolite (rare) (Mined: circa 1890)

Item Description

A wonderful antique Tyrolite specimen from the Tintic District in Utah, featuring rich blue-green colored micro foliated blades sitting either in vugs or just lying on several sides of the piece, associated with botryoidal Cornwallite and a bit of Azurite. We've photographed the little crystals with a macro lens to better show the quality. An historic and desirable specimen of this rare calcium copper arsenate carbonate species. The collection catalogue states that the piece was collected circa 1890.
From the collection of longtime mineral collector Dr. Bob Lauf (Collection #1395), and originally from the John Legro collection (#420). Bob is the author of the Mineral Collectors Guide books (Schiffer Publishing), widely seen at mineral shows and libraries. He grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant.