Auricalcita
Auricalcita is a mineral with formula (Cu,Zn)₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from 79 Mine, Chilito, Banner District, Gila County, Arizona, Estados Unidos.
Description
Elongate piece covered by radiating bundles of turquoise-blue acicular crystals emerging from a dark matrix. The distinct colour contrast and feathery crystal texture are conspicuous. The crest-like arrangement accentuates its vertical character.
About Auricalcita
Aurichalcite is a secondary copper-zinc mineral that commonly crystallises as acicular or feathery aggregates, associated with oxidised zones.
About the locality
Located in a classic mining area of Arizona, the 79 Mine is known for secondary copper and zinc minerals of the oxidised zone, including aurichalcite, hemimorphite and smithsonite.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0073
- Composition
- (Cu,Zn)₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆
- Name
- Auricalcita
- Group
- Carbonatos
- Category
- Cresta Montis
- Mine
- 79 Mine
- District / Municipality
- Chilito
- Province
- Banner District, Gila County
- Region
- Arizona
- Country
- Estados Unidos
- Size (cm)
- 7 x 3 x 2.5
- Weight
- 55.9 g
- Etymology
- From the Greek "oreichalkos" ("mountain copper"), referring to its copper-rich composition and bright colour.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Analcima — Estados Unidos
- Andersonita — España
- Aragonito (Pantojo) — España
- Aragonito (Azul (Toralina)) — España
- Aragonito — Italia
- Aragonito — España
- Aragonito (Pantojo) — España