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 and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
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
- Acquired
- 2025
- 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