Aurichalcite
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Description
A pale green to blue mineral that is sometimes found as a encrustations on bronzes. Aurichalcite is composed of copper zinc carbonate hydroxide. As a mineral, it forms in the oxidation zones of zinc-copper deposits. Sources of the mineral are found in Greece (Laurium), Namibia (Tsumeb, Marpimi), Mexico (Durango), and the U.S. (Bisbee Arizona, Colorado, Utah. The transparent to translucent needle-like crystals grow as aggregates.
Synonyms and Related Terms
mountain copper; oreichalkos (Gr.)
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Transparent acicular, orthorhombic crystals with silky to pearly in luster;
- Streak = white;
- Fracture = uneven;
- Cleavage is perfect in one direction;
- Reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide bubbles.
| Composition | (Zn,Cu)5(CO3)2(OH)6 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 1 - 2 |
| Density | 3.6 - 4.0 g/ml |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 546.71 |
Resources and Citations
- Minerals: mineral.galleries.com/minerals/carbonate/aurichal/aurichal.htm (density 3.6-4.0, hardness 1-2)
- Website: www.azminerals.com/AS%20Minerals/Aurichalcite.htm (hardness 1.5, density 3.93)
- Website: webmineral.com/data/aurichalcite.shtml (density 3.64-3.9, hardness 2)
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurichalcite (Accessed Sept 2, 2005; density = 3.96, hardness = 1-2)