NATROCHALCITE
Natrochalcite is a hydrous sodium copper
hydroxy-sulfate mineral, NaCu2(SO4)2(OH)·H2O.
It is a secondary mineral that forms in some copper deposits. It has a
nonmetallic, somewhat glassy luster, an intensely green color, pale greenish
streak, and is moderately hard (H=4.5). Crystals are transparent to
translucent and have monoclinic symmetry. Natrochalcite has perfect
cleavage but also readily breaks along uneven fracture surfaces. This
minerals is soluble in water and acids.
Natrochalcite from the Chuquicamata Mine, Calama, El Loa Province, Antofagasta
region, Chile. (CSM # 720.4, Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum,
Golden, Colorado, USA)
Photo gallery of
natrochalcite