Aurichalcite
Aurichalcite is a green-blue copper carbonate mineral primarily found in the oxidized zone of copper deposits. Aurichalcite is often found associated with zinc minerals and other secondary copper deposit minerals.
Uses
Aurichalcite is valued among collectors for the form of its crystals, blue needles.
Notable Localities
Aurichalcite occurs in oxidized copper localities, many of which are in the Southwestern United States and Eastern Europe.The most notable locality of the mineral is the Ojuela Mine of Mexico, where vibrant sprays of sky blue Aurichalcite occur on brown limonite matrix. Some crystals of calcite from the mine are included with small sprays of Aurichalcite.
| Properties | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | (Zn,Cu)5[(OH)3|CO3]2 |
| Hardness | 2-2 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Mineral Class | Carbonates |
| Luster | Vitreous, Silky, Pearly |