General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Zn,Cu)5(CO3)2(OH)6
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 546.71 gm)
Zinc 44.85 % Zn
Copper 14.53 % Cu
Hydrogen 1.11 % H
Carbon 4.39 % C
Oxygen 35.12 % O
Empirical Formula:
Zn3.75Cu1.25(CO3)2(OH)6
Environment:
Secondary mineral in copper and zinc deposits.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1963
Locality:
Salida, Chaffee Co., Colorado, USA.
Name Origin:
Probably from the Greek oreichalchos, "mountain copper."
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[010] Perfect
Color:
pale green, sky blue, or greenish blue.
Density:
3.64 - 3.9, Average = 3.77
Diaphaniety:
Transparent
Habits:
Druse - Crystal growth in a cavity which results in numerous crystal tipped surfaces., Encrustations - Forms crust-like aggregates on matrix., Acicular - Occurs as needle-like crystal s.
Hardness:
2 - Gypsum
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Pearly
Streak:
light blue
More details...