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 1. 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
This is a relatively rare secondary copper mineral that forms in arid and saline environments through the oxidation of copper sulfides. It is recognized by its emerald or dark green color and vitreous luster. It can easily be confused with brochantite, and it may alter into malachite or chrysocolla.
About the locality
Located in Barranco Jaroso (Sierra Almagrera), the La Estrella Mine is a historic, now inactive, mining site in Cuevas del Almanzora. Although it lacks global fame, it captivates collectors with its splendid, well-crystallized green atacamites set on dark, earthy matrices. The arid surroundings and the oxidation of copper sulfides were key to the formation of these valued secondary minerals.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0577
- Internal reference
- X0269
- 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