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Dominant species
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Cyanotrichite
Cyanotrichite
Chemical
Formula
Cu4Al2[(OH)12|SO4]·2H2O
Species
Sulfates
Crystal
System
Orthorhombic
Mohs
Scale
1-3
Specific
Gravity
2.76
Color
sky-blue, azure-blue
Streak
light blue
Luster
Silky
Refractive
Index
n = 1.588 n = 1.617 n = 1.655
Crystal Habit:Occurs as velvet-, wool- or cotton-like aggregates and coatings comprised of minute acicular crystals; also radial-fibrous or tufted.
Cyanotrichite is a copper aluminium sulfate mineral, Cu4Al2[(OH)12|SO4]·2H2O, also known as lettsomite, very similar to halotrichite, and a member of the same group. However, it is much rarer. It forms velvety aggregates of extremely fine fibres and radial aggregates. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and forms translucent bright blue acicular crystal clusters or drusey coatings. The Mohs hardness is 2 and the specific gravity ranges from 2.74 to 2.95. Refractive indices are nα=1.588 nβ=1.617 nγ=1.655. 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 (USA). Because of its beautiful colouring, it is very popular with collectors.

It was first described in 1839 from Moldova Nou?, Banat, Romania. The name is from Greek kyaneos for "blue" and triches for "hair" referring to the typical color and habit.