Cyprine from Horrsjöberget, Sweden – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This interesting small cabinet specimen displays Cyprine in its typical massive habit within a metamorphosed host rock. The characteristic blue to blue-green areas of this copper-bearing Vesuvianite variety stand out clearly against the light to greenish matrix and create an attractive color contrast. Individual crystals are not visible on this specimen. Instead, the mineral occurs predominantly as compact masses, providing a good example of the geological environment in which it formed.
Geology & Origin
Cyprine is a rare copper-bearing variety of Vesuvianite. Its characteristic blue to blue-green coloration is caused by copper incorporated into the crystal structure. The Horrsjöberget locality in Sweden is one of the classic Scandinavian occurrences of this uncommon mineral. Cyprine forms under contact metamorphic conditions in calcium-rich rocks and is commonly associated with other calcium silicates. Owing to its unusual color and limited occurrences, Cyprine is considered a highly desirable specialty among collectors of Scandinavian minerals.