Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombicuncommonCarbonates
Aurichalcite
(Zn,Cu)5(CO3)2(OH)6
Aurichalcite typically forms delicate, acicular to fibrous crystals that often aggregate into velvety crusts, tufts, or radiating sprays. It is characterized by its distinctive pale blue to bluish-green color.
Aurichalcite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
1Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
silkyStreak Color
pale bluish-greenCleavage
perfect on {100}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.5Colors
pale blue, light green, bluish-greenTransparency
translucentType Locality
Bisbee, Warren District, Mule Mts, Arizona, USAMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
collectorAssociated Minerals
hemimorphite, malachite, azurite, calcite, limoniteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Aurichalcite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of zinc-copper ore deposits. It forms through the alteration of primary zinc and copper sulfides in the presence of carbonate-rich solutions.
