Boleite

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Boleite is a fascinating mineral species: a complex lead copper silver potassium chloride hydroxide with a striking rich indigo-blue colour and propensity to form wonderfully geometric 'cubes'. Named after the Boleo District in western Mexico, most of the best crystallized specimens have come from the Amelia mine which is where this fine miniature is from. Upon it Boleite crystals are aesthetically scattered, occurring as pseudo-cubic, rich indigo-blue crystals to 4 mm on edge. The Boleites are set on a light coloured granular clay-rich matrix which really makes them stand out well. The matrix hosts three prominent cubes and about eight smaller but still striking crystals. As with all specimens from this locality, the friable matrix has most probably been stabilized for preservation. A striking Boleite specimen from the Amelia mine in Mexico. Ex Professor Werner Paar Collection.