Paratacamite
Mineral in the halide minerals category
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Paratacamite is a mineral in the halide minerals category. Its chemical formula is Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2. Its name is derived from its association with atacamite. Paratacamite was first described by Herbert Smith in 1906.[3] The zincian endmember Cu3(Zn)(OH)6Cl2 is called herbertsmithite, and paratacamite is polymorphous with botallackite and atacamite.[4]
| Paratacamite | |
|---|---|
Paratacamite from Cornwall, England | |
| General | |
| Category | Halide mineral |
| Formula | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| IMA symbol | Pata[1] |
| Strunz classification | III / D.01-55 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Crystal class | Rhombohedral |
| Unit cell | a = 13,654, c = 14,041; |
| Identification | |
| Formula mass | 58.433 g/mol |
| Color | Green |
| Cleavage | Very good |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Mohs scale hardness | 3 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | Green |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.74 |
| Density | 3.74g/cm3 |
| Solubility | Acid-soluble |
| References | [2] |
It has been found in Chile, Botallack Mine in Cornwall, Broken Hill, Australia, and in Italy at Capo Calamita on the island of Elba.[2]
