Diaboleite & Cumengeite

Outstanding micromount featuring cumengeite with pseudoboleite from the Charakas slag locality, Laurion mining district, Greece. The specimen displays numerous well-formed cubic to truncated cubic crystals of deep turquoise-blue to blue-green color, scattered and locally clustered on a dark, fine-grained matrix, associated with transparent to translucent prismatic crystals of gypsum or anhydrite. The sharp crystal edges and high reflectivity create a striking sparkle under magnification.

Cumengeite and pseudoboleite, both rare lead-copper oxychlorides, occur here as sharply defined microcrystals with high luster and intense color saturation. Their translucent to locally transparent nature enhances internal reflections and gives the crystals a gem-like appearance under microphotographic lighting. The association of both species in the same cavity illustrates a complex paragenesis typical of high-temperature secondary phases formed in ancient metallurgical slags.

Such assemblages are characteristic of the historic Laurion smelting sites, where unique chemical environments produced a remarkable suite of rare halide and oxychloride minerals. This specimen represents a fine example of these exotic phases, combining aesthetic appeal with strong scientific interest, ideal for advanced micromount collections.

In a box 2.8 × 2.8 cm, labelled.

FoV: 2.2 mm.