Liroconite is perhaps the most sought after of all Cornish mineral species. Most specimens display an almost unique blue-green colour, of the most intense vibrancy. Occasionally, Liroconite crystals grade into a greenish colour, some of which have proven to be a new species, Kernowite - an iron-rich analogue of Liroconite. However, colour is not a reliable indicator for identification. Very few of the greener 'Liroconite' crystals in existence have proven to be Kernowite, which remains extremely rare, and the only method of knowing for sure is chemical analysis. This specimen is certainly an extreme form of green Liroconite, of the most intense deep emerald green - much greener in person than photography captures. If you think of the colour of Dioptase you won't be far off. Crowned by a well-developed group of sharp, bladed Liroconite crystals to 3.5 mm in length this specimen is from the famous Wheal Gorland, St.Day, Cornwall. A classic Goethite gossan matrix supports the crystals, with further crystals of Liroconite dotted here and there. White areas of Gibbsite-Halloysite are also in association.
