Djurleite (SUL-0006)

specimen number:
9273197

location:
Mine #57, Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan

description:

An outstanding example for this mineral, bright lustrous metallic djurleite in large crystal groupings across the top of matrix. This is in super condition.

Mine Number 57, part of the East Dzhezkazgan mining complex in the Ulytau region of Kazakhstan, is a major underground mining operation within one of the largest copper-bearing districts in the world. Geologically, the deposit is hosted in the productive Dzhezkazgan Formation of Middle to Upper Carboniferous age, which consists of a thick, rhythmically alternating sequence of grey and red sandstones, siltstones, and conglomerates. The primary copper mineralization occurs as extensive stratabound orebodies of cuprous sandstones, where metals are concentrated in copper-rich sulfide minerals. Commissioned in 1967 under Soviet industrial expansion, the mine features deep vertical shafts and complex underground workings managed by the Kazakhmys Corporation. It has operated continuously into the modern era as a vital component of the regional non-ferrous metallurgical infrastructure, while simultaneously gaining recognition among mineralogists for producing outstanding crystal pocket assemblages of copper and lead sulfides.

Djurleite is a rare copper sulfide mineral that crystallizes in the monoclinic system, typically occurring within the secondary supergene enrichment zones of copper deposits. It commonly develops alongside other closely related copper sulfides, such as chalcocite, digenite, and bornite, and is frequently found as a major constituent in primary or secondary copper ores. In terms of physical properties, djurleite is opaque with a metallic luster, exhibiting a lead-grey to blue-black or dull black color and a black streak. While it typically forms massive, fine-grained aggregates that are nearly identical to chalcocite under visual inspection, it occasionally forms thin tabular or short prismatic crystals that can exhibit pseudohexagonal twinning. Due to its extreme structural similarity to chalcocite, definitive identification of djurleite usually requires detailed analytical techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.