Detailed information
Species
Chalcophyllite, Quartz
Dimensions
20 x 20 x 15
mm
Weight
3 g
Locality
Wheal Gorland St. Day United Mines, Gwennap Cornwall, England
Condition
No recorded repairs
Chalcophyllite, copper aluminium arsenate sulphate hydroxide hydrate was first described from "Cornwall" but the exact source of the original crystals used for analysis has never been determined due to discrepancies in the labelling of original specimens, and several source mines. The famous 'treasure house' of rare species - Wheal Gorland - was one source, where it occurred along with other rare and beautiful copper arsenates, including Liroconite, Clinoclase and Olivenite. This thumbnail specimen from Wheal Gorland features quite large platy hexagonal aggregates (to 1.6 cm across) of blue-green pearlescent Chalcophyllite intergrown with Quartz. Some the Chalcophyllite surfaces are opaque, but in cavities a stunning vibrant translucent blue-green can be seen. Small, but very richly crystallized. Ex Malcolm Southwood collection.