Adamite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAdamite
Chemical FormulaZn₂AsO₄(OH)
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood on {101}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.35
Colorsyellowish-green, yellow, green, purple, pink, colorless
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityOjuela Mine, Mapimí, Mun. de Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
Mineral GroupArsenates
Usescollector's mineral
Associated Mineralshemimorphite, limonite, calcite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays numerous yellowish-green adamite crystals, some forming radiating aggregates, covering a matrix, possibly with white hemimorphite. Under ultraviolet light, the adamite exhibits a vibrant green fluorescence.
Geological Context
Adamite is a secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of zinc-arsenic ore deposits, often forming in arid environments. It precipitates from hydrothermal solutions interacting with primary sulfide minerals.
