Hutchinsonite with Orpiment

Unknown Owner

Lustrous metallic prismatic crystals of hutchinsonite measuring to 0.3 cm in size across the top of matrix with crystallized orpiment. In good condition. Good example for the species.The Quiruvilca Mine, situated in the Santiago de Chuco Province of La Libertad, Peru, is a prolific polymetallic deposit known for its complex hydrothermal vein systems. Geologically, the mine is located within the Miocene-aged Quiruvilca Caldera, where mineral-rich fluids deposited a vast array of sulfides and sulfosalts including lead, zinc, silver, and copper within volcanic host rocks. Among its most significant mineralogical occurrences is hutchinsonite, a rare thallium-arsenic-lead sulfosalt that forms exceptional, lustrous black or deep red metallic orthorhombic prisms at this locality. Historically, mining in the region dates back to the Spanish colonial era, but modern industrial operations began in the early 20th century, notably under the Northern Peru Mining and Smelting Company in the 1920s and later Pan American Silver. While large-scale commercial extraction has faced various operational challenges and ownership changes through the 2010s and early 2020s, Quiruvilca remains an iconic site for mineralogists due to the diversity and quality of its rare sulfosalt species.