How do I identify Cyanotrichite?

Cyanotrichite can be identified by its hardness of 1 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Sky-blue color, Silky luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Cyanotrichite?

Cyanotrichite typically appears in Sky-blue, azure-blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Cyanotrichite?

Cyanotrichite has a hardness of 1 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Cyanotrichite

A variety of Minerals

Rare

Cyanotrichite specimen - rock identification

What is Cyanotrichite?

Cyanotrichite is a beautiful but extremely fragile mineral. It comes in several crystal forms; the round, plush-like, "hairy" crystal formation is certainly the most attractive. The specimens are quite small (micromounts), so they are regularly kept in small transparent boxes and enjoyed under magnified view. Cyanotrichite is a very rare mineral, closely associated with copper.

Etymology & Origins

It was first described in 1839 from Moldova Nouă, Banat, Romania. The name is from Greek kyaneos for "blue" and triches for "hair" referring to the typical color and habit. Its earlier name, Lettsomite, is taken from the name of William Garrow Lettsom (1804–1887), co-author of the 1858 Manual of the Mineralogy of Great Britain and Ireland.

Uses & Applications

Cyanotrichite is quite rare, so although it can be used as a copper ore this is not typically considered commercially viable at scale. It is fragile, so despite its beauty collectors often prefer to keep very small specimens of this lovely mineral in boxes in a process called ‘micromounting.’

Cyanotrichite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Cyanotrichite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Cyanotrichite Localities Map

See where Cyanotrichite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Cyanotrichite

It is an oxidation product of primary copper mineralization in a weathering environment with abundant aluminium and sulfate. Associated minerals include brochantite, spangolite, chalcophyllite, olivenite, tyrolite, parnauite, azurite and malachite. The main deposits are Cap la Garrone in the Var (France), Romania and Arizona (US). It was first described in 1839 from Moldova Nouă, Banat, Romania. The name is from Greek kyaneos for "blue" and triches for "hair" referring to the typical color and habit. Its earlier name, Lettsomite, is taken from the name of William Garrow Lettsom (1804–1887), co-author of the 1858 Manual of the Mineralogy of Great Britain and Ireland.