Betekhtinite

Betekhtinite is a rare copper-iron-lead sulphide. This excellent ex-matrix, large thumbnail, is a mass of vertically aligned black metallic bladed crystals forming a column-like structure and terminated by numerous individual euhedral (complete) crystals and cleaved tips, the latter due to contact with the original in-situ host rock. From the Dzhezkazgan Mining District in the Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan, this rich copper-zinc deposit is hosted in a succession of Upper Carboniferous sandstone bodies. A particularly good and remarkably rich specimen of the rare mineral Betekhtinite.