Brochantite with Linarite

Goulmina in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region of Morocco has produced only five mineral species, of which Brochantite and Linarite are the star attractions. This small cabinet specimen has an almost continuous carpet of superbly crystallised bluish-emerald green Brochantite as delicate acicular needle-like crystals forming a continuous druse. Each crystal is a few millimetres long and together produce mottled patches of light and dark bluish-green caused by incident light passing through the hair-like clusters. Linarite is present as minor rich blue crystalline ribs around the edges and, rarely, amongst the Brochantite. An underlying milky Quartz matrix provides firm support to an otherwise most delicate surface. This surface must not be touched otherwise the crystals will be damaged.