Adamita
Adamita is a mineral with formula Zn₂(AsO₄)(OH), in the Arsenatos group. This specimen comes from Mina Ojuela, Mapimí, Durango, México and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Aggregate of yellow-green prismatic crystals with vitreous lustre, partly embedded in limonitic matrix with reddish tones. The crystals are arranged in short, compact fans lining an irregular cavity.
History of this specimen
Original label provided
About Adamita
Adamite is a zinc arsenate that crystallises in the orthorhombic system and belongs to the eponymous group. It is typical of the oxidised zones of zinc and lead deposits, where it is commonly associated with limonite, smithsonite and hemimorphite. The yellow-green variety, as here, owes its hue to traces of copper.
About the locality
Mina Ojuela in Mapimí, Durango, is one of Mexico's emblematic deposits and a historic source of secondary zinc and arsenic minerals. Its oxidising conditions and large cavities have allowed the development of well-defined adamite crystals, known worldwide for their colour, lustre and abundance.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0215
- Internal reference
- T0004
- Composition
- Zn₂(AsO₄)(OH)
- Name
- Adamita
- Group
- Arsenatos
- Matrix
- Limonita
- Mine
- Mina Ojuela
- Province
- Mapimí
- Region
- Durango
- Country
- México
- Size (cm)
- 4.5 x 4.5 x 2
- Weight
- 46.9 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Ex-collection
- Sergio Petretich
- Etymology
- Named after the French chemist Gilbert-Joseph Adam (1795–1881), who discovered the mineral in Chile.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable