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)
monoclinicuncommonCarbonates
Aurichalcite
(Zn,Cu)5(CO3)2(OH)6
This specimen features delicate, acicular to bladed crystals of aurichalcite forming radiating, fuzzy aggregates with a pale bluish-green color, growing on a matrix likely associated with calcite.
Aurichalcite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
1Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
silkyStreak Color
pale bluish-greenCleavage
perfect on {100}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.5Colors
pale blue, bluish-green, greenTransparency
transparent to translucentType Locality
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio de Mapimí, Durango, MexicoMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
collectorAssociated Minerals
calcite, limonite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, hydrozincite, malachite, azuriteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Aurichalcite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of zinc and copper deposits, typically in arid or semi-arid environments, resulting from the alteration of primary zinc and copper sulfides.
