Hutchinsonite with Orpiment

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Bright metallic prismatic crystals of hutchinsonite to 0.4 cm in length on matrix with orange crystallized orpiment. In good condition and very nice for the species.The Quiruvilca Mine, located in the Santiago de Chuco Province of northern Peru, is a classic polymetallic hydrothermal deposit situated at high altitude in the Andes. Geologically, the mineralization is hosted within a sequence of Miocene volcanic rocks, primarily andesites and dacites, which were fractured and filled by metal-rich fluids. The deposit exhibits a remarkable lateral zonation, with central zones rich in copper and gold grading outward into lead, zinc, and eventually silver and antimony-rich veins. Mining at Quiruvilca has a long history, with documented activity stretching back to the 1700s, though modern industrial operations began in earnest in the early 1920s under the Northern Peru Mining and Smelting Company. For much of the 20th century, it was a major producer of base and precious metals, famously operated by Pan American Silver in later years. Although large-scale corporate mining faced significant challenges and restructuring in the early 21st century, the site remains legendary among mineralogists for producing over one hundred different mineral species, including world-class specimens of enargite and various rare sulfosalts.Hutchinsonite is an exceedingly rare and complex sulfosalt mineral that contains a unique combination of thallium, lead, and arsenic. It is highly prized by specialized collectors for its aesthetic and scientific value, typically forming as thin, needle-like prismatic crystals or as radiating, sub-parallel aggregates. The mineral displays a sub-metallic to adamantine luster and its color ranges from a deep cherry-red to a dark lead-gray or black, often showing a reddish internal reflection when viewed under bright light. Geologically, hutchinsonite forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often in the outermost, cooler fringes of complex ore systems. The Quiruvilca Mine is one of the premier global localities for this species, where it occurs in remarkable quality alongside other minerals like orpiment and pyrite. Because of its thallium and arsenic content, the mineral is toxic and must be handled with care, yet it remains a holy grail for many due to its rarity and the distinct, sharp habit of its crystals.