Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombicuncommonSulfates
Cyanotrichite
Cu₄Al₂(SO₄)(OH)₁₂·2H₂O
This image displays vibrant sky-blue cyanotrichite forming delicate, acicular (needle-like) crystals that often radiate outwards, creating a fuzzy or velvety texture on the host rock.
Cyanotrichite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
silkyStreak Color
pale blueCleavage
perfect on {100}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
2.85Colors
sky-blue, azure-blue, light blueTransparency
translucentType Locality
Grand View Mine, Arizona, USAMineral Group
SulfatesUses
collectorAssociated Minerals
brochantite, malachite, chalcoalumite, azurite, chrysocollaRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Cyanotrichite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, typically forming in arid environments. It results from the alteration of primary copper sulfides in the presence of aluminum-rich host rocks.
