Libethenite

This specimen features sharply formed, deep green libethenite crystals occurring as dense clusters of pseudooctahedral orthorhombic forms lining what was once a narrow crevice in the host matrix. The crystals display good definition and colour, making for an attractive and well-balanced example of this distinctive copper phosphate.

Libethenite is a secondary copper phosphate mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. Well-crystallized specimens are relatively uncommon, and fine examples such as this are highly sought after by collectors.

The specimen originates from the Old Reliable Mine in the Copper Creek area of the Bunker Hill District, Pinal County, Arizona. The Copper Creek district is a classic southwestern U.S. copper locality, best known for its porphyry copper mineralization and its suite of secondary copper minerals, including phosphates, arsenates, and carbonates.

Ex Peter Tarassoff collection, acquired at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in 1982. A fine representative of libethenite from a classic Arizona locality and an excellent addition to any southwestern mineral suite.