Tyrolite Locality: Novoveská Huta, Spišská Nová Ves Mining District, Eastern Slovenské Rudohorie Mts, Košice Region , Slovakia ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 4.8 x 2.7 x 1.3 cm. Tyrolite is an uncommon secondary copper arsenate found in the oxidized zone of copper deposits. Radial sprays of lustrous, very pretty turquoise-blue tyrolite lathes richly and attractively cover the matrix plate on this fine and highly representative specimen from the less well-known Novoveska Huta Mine of Slovakia. Ex. Wes Parker Collection. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Tyrolite
A glassy blue-green calcium-copper arsenate-carbonate forming radial orthorhombic fans.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Tyrolite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula Ca₂Cu₉(AsO₄)₄(CO₃)(OH)₈·11H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2/c). It is a member of the Tyrolite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 3.25; Pale green or pale blue streak; Vitreous, pearly on cleavages luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Tyl, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1817.
Occurs as an uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal copper deposits, typically produced through alteration of tennantite.
It is found associated with Tennantite, malachite, azurite, brochantite, chrysocolla.
The name refers to its occurrence in the Tirol (Tyrol), Austria.