Cyanotrichite
A variety of Minerals
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.’
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Cyanotrichite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Cyanotrichite Localities Map
See where Cyanotrichite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Sky-blue, azure-blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 1 - 3
- Density
- 2.76 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light blue
- Luster
- Silky
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu4Al2(SO4)(OH)12 · 2H2O
- Elements
- Al, Cu, H, O, S
Also Known As
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Cyanotrichite FAQs
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.
What is the formation of cyanotrichite 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.
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