Atacamita
Atacamita is a mineral with formula Cu₂Cl(OH)₃, in the Haluros group. This specimen comes from Mina La Estrella, Barranco Jaroso, Almería, Andalucía, España.
Description
Part 2. Green acicular crystals on slate. I split it in two. Very good for viewing under a loupe.
History of this specimen
Especially for micromount. Very good viewing with a loupe.
About Atacamita
A somewhat uncommon secondary copper mineral, this specimen crystallizes in arid, saline conditions following the oxidation of copper sulfides. Its most defining features are its striking emerald to dark green hue and glassy luster. While it closely resembles brochantite, it is also known to chemically alter into malachite or chrysocolla over time.
About the locality
La Estrella Mine: a small classic locality in Barranco Jaroso, Sierra Almagrera, linked to the historic mining district of Cuevas del Almanzora. Although it is not widely known beyond the local sphere, it is of interest to collectors for its well-crystallized green atacamites, often on dark or earthy matrices. The arid setting and the oxidation of copper sulfides favored this secondary mineralization. The mine is no longer active.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0506
- Internal reference
- X0029
- Composition
- Cu₂Cl(OH)₃
- Name
- Atacamita
- Group
- Haluros
- Matrix
- Pizarra
- Associations
- Brochantita
- Mine
- Mina La Estrella
- District / Municipality
- Barranco Jaroso
- Province
- Almería
- Region
- Andalucía
- Country
- España
- Size (cm)
- 7.5 x 7.7 x 2
- Weight
- 148 g
- Etymology
- Named after its type locality, the Atacama Desert (Chile), one of the driest places in the world where it was discovered.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Aerenita — España
- Aerinita (fibrosa) — España
- Analcima — España
- Analcima — España