Basic carbonate of zinc and copper
For the fabulous metal, mentioned in the legend of the lost Atlantis, see
Orichalcum .
Aurichalcite is a carbonate mineral , usually found as a secondary mineral in copper and zinc deposits. Its chemical formula is (Zn,Cu)5 (CO3 )2 (OH)6 . The zinc to copper ratio is about 5:4.[3] Copper (Cu2+ ) gives aurichalcite its green-blue colors.[5]
Occurrence
Aurichalcite typically occurs in the oxidized zone of copper and zinc deposits.
Associated minerals include: rosasite , smithsonite , hemimorphite , hydrozincite , malachite and azurite .[2]
It was first described in 1839 by Bottger who named the mineral for its zinc and copper content after the Greek όρειχαλκος , for "mountain brass" or "mountain copper", the name of orichalcum , a fabulous metal, mentioned in the legend of the mythic lost continent Atlantis . The type locality is the Loktevskoye Mine, Upper Loktevka River , Rudny Altai [ru ] , Altai Krai , Western Siberia , Russia .[3]
Crystallography
Aurichalcite displays prismatic crystals often in the form of encrustations and sometimes columnar structures.[6] The crystal system is monoclinic.
References