Yeşildere (Gümüşhane/NE Turkey) Actual Broccantite-Hydrobasalunite and Halotrichite Occurrences

Potentially gemstone including Yesildere area is situated to the northwest of the Gümüşhane city (NE Turkey. The Eocene volcanic and volkani-clastic unit covers all the area. Pervasive hypogene and supergen alterations are present over this rock. These alterations are possible related to young intrusive quartz porphyry rocks in the near vicinity of the area and controlled by regional and dominantly local tectonic regime. Alteration assemblage consists of argilization, silicification, hematization and widespread pyritization. In addition to these alteration products, dominantly brochantite and lesser devilline, schulenbergite, zinc sulfate hydroxide hyrade and also hydrobasalluminite, halotrichite occurrences were developed and are actually developing in intense fractures and cracks. Depending on the mineral assemblage, different shades of green are seen in the area. Brochantite is a sulfate mineral (Cu4SO4(OH)6), one of a number of cupric sulfates and formed in arid climates or in rapidly oxidizing copper sulfide deposits. Its Crystals can range from emerald green to black-green to blue-green, and can be acicular or prismatic. This mineral are seen blue-green in the area. These minerals-especially brochantite, which are observed on the surface, are likely to be found in untouched environments in protected form. So it can be thought that the site has importance for exploration of gemstones. At least in its present state, it is a good point of visit for nature lovers since the field is capable of observing actual mineral formations.