Libethenite, Libethen, Hungary (now Slovak Republic) TYPE LOCALITY
This thumbnail presents a rich specimen of emerald- to dark forest-green Libethenite crystals on iron-stained quartz matrix from the type locality L’ubietova in Slovakia, formerly known as Libethen when the locality was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The crystals are well-formed, with glassy luster and wedge-shaped terminations and exquisite grooves and striations. A few are transparent with nice internal glow. The specimen illustrates interesting foliations and structural deformation, pointing to a complex diagenesis. The deposits at Libethen have been mined since the Bronze Age.
