Boleite

Classic boleite single crystal from the famous Boleo District, Santa Rosalía, Mulegé Municipality, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The specimen consists of a well-formed, deep blue cubic boleite crystal, displaying the characteristic sharp edges and dark indigo-blue coloration for which this species is renowned.

Boleite is a rare lead–silver–copper chloride–hydroxide mineral, belonging to the halide group, and is best known for its distinctive cubic crystal habit. It forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of polymetallic copper–lead deposits under arid climatic conditions.

The Boleo District is the type locality and world-class reference locality for boleite, having produced the finest and most iconic crystals of this species. Crystals from this locality are regarded as classics and are highly sought after by systematic and micromount collectors worldwide.

Boleite is considered rare, especially as well-developed single crystals with sharp cubic form. The mineral is generally stable under normal collection conditions, though it should be protected from excessive humidity.