Serpierite & Serpierite inclusions in Gypsum - image 1

Serpierite & Serpierite inclusions in Gypsum

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The Serpieri Mine, within the historic Lavrion Mining District, is the TYPE LOCALITY for the relatively uncommon mineral Serpierite. It is an hydrated calcium, copper, zinc sulfate. Attractive and cavansite-blue in color, there is a compelling amount of sparkly and lustrous Serpierite crystals across the matrix. It is intergrown with crystals of gemmy and lustrous Gypsum to 4.4 cm and in fact included within some of them! There is an interesting variety and contrast in both the Gypsum and between the intergrown species. The pic tries to portray the intergrowth, but in real life the interplay between the two species is much more dramatic, 3-dimensional, and full of visual depth as you look through clear gypsum to the blue within. Adding to the aesthetics and interest are several clusters of small green spheres (perhaps one of the uncommon Zn or Cu minerals here such as Glaucocerinite, Agardite, Conichalcite, or maybe even Malachite) that add contrast in color and form. Collected in 2019, this cabinet specimen is exceptionally rich for any Serpierite from any era. It is thought to be one of the finer large examples of the species, for the richness and the intense color.