Aurichalcite natural mineral from Mexico
Size-
10.1cm x 6.1cm x 4.2cm
Weight-
465g
You will receive the item in the photo
Aurichalcite is a zinc copper carbonate hydroxide mineral.
Crystal system-Monoclinic
Mineral class- Carbonate
Hardness-1-2.5 on the MOHs scale
Aurichalcite does not form directly from cooling magma or during primary rock metamorphism. Instead it is a secondary mineral that forms through the weathering and oxidation of primary copper and zinc ore bodies.
It is strictly found in the oxidized zones (the weathered upper layers ) of copper and zinc deposits. As acidic metal rich water interacts with carbonate rocks like limestone Aurichalcite precipitates out. It typically grows as delicate feathery mat,dusty crusts or tine middle like crystals aggregates coating the cavities of host rocks like limestone or limonite.
It is commonly found alongside other secondary minerals like malachite,azurite smithsonite,Rosasite and hemimorphite.
