Genthelvite with Hematite

specimen number:
2354104

location:
El Criollo Mine, Cerro Blanco, Cordoba, Argentina

description:
Blue lustrous slightly translucent grains of genthelvite quite rich throughout this hematite matrix. Neat example for the species collected in 1989.

Located in the Cerro Blanco pegmatite district near Tanti in Cordoba Province, Argentina, the El Criollo Mine targets highly evolved granitic pegmatites intruded into basement metamorphic rocks. Originally exploited for feldspar, quartz, and beryllium minerals, the mine became famous among mineral collectors for its exceptional suite of rare accessory minerals. Among these, genthelvite occurs as a zinc beryllium silicate mineral within hydrothermal cavities and replacement zones in the pegmatite structure. Specimens from El Criollo typically exhibit translucent tetrahedral crystals ranging from reddish-brown and pink to unusual blue shades, making them highly prized by field collectors and museum curators worldwide.

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