Aurichalcite
Ojuela Mine
Mapami, Mexico


This specimen measures 14 x 10.5 cm


Aurichalcite       (Zn,Cu)5(CO3)2(OH)6

Carbonate; a basic carbonate of zinc and copper

Color and Luster: Pale green to greenish blue and sky blue; silky to pearly

Hardness:1-2

Cleavage: Perfect in one direction

Fracture: Uneven

Crystals: Orthorhombic, usually in delicate acicular or lathlike crystals that form tufted, feathery, or plumose incrustations; rarely columnar, laminated, or granular

     

Photo by Mary Sutherland


Descriptions taken from
The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals