Atacamite
Atacamite Definition
Atacamite is a green-colored halide mineral. It draws its name from the fact that it originates in the Atacama Desert in Chile.
Atacamite History
This mineral species was first discovered in 1801 at Atacama Region in Chile. This substance was added to the mineral species in the same year by D. de Gallizen.
Atacamite Synonyms
This substance is also known by other names like
- ICSD 61252
- PDF 25-269
- Paratacamite
Atacamite Composition
The composition of this mineral is Copper (II) Chloride Hydroxide. It is a polymorphic crystal form of Dicopper Chloride Trihydroxide and is polymorphous with botallackite and paratacamite. This mineral is rare and found as an ore of copper.
Picture 1 – Atacamite
Source – aamineralspecimens.com
The mineral comprises of constituents like
CAS Reference Number
The CAS reference number for this substance is 1306-85-0.
Atacamite Formation
Atacamite crystals are formed in arid regions where the mineral deposits of copper go through oxidization. Actually, this is a secondary mineral that form due to the oxidization of other copper minerals.
They are particularly formed in fumarolic deposits and under desert saline conditions. The crystals are regarded as weathering product of sulphides that are found in subsea black-smoker deposits. These are also viewed as alteration products of copper and bronze objects of antiquity.
Atacamite Properties
Some of the main chemical and physical properties of this mineral are as follows:
Chemical Formula
The chemical formula for this mineral is Cu2Cl(OH)3.
Molecular Weight
The molecular weight for this mineral is 213.57 gm.
Density
The density of this mineral is 3.756 g/cm3.
Color
The color of Atacamite varies between bright green and dark green. Blackish-green and yellowish-green varieties of this mineral are also found.
Streak
Streak of Atacamite is apple green or pale-green.
Hardness
In Mohs scale the hardness of the mineral ranges between 3 and 3.5.
Tenacity
It is a brittle mineral.
Specific Gravity
An assessment of the specific gravity of this mineral gives an approximate measure of 3.75g/cm³, which is found to be considerably above average value.
Pleochroism
This mineral has weak pleochroic properties.
Radioactivity
This mineral is not radioactive.
Luminescence
It is non-fluorescent in nature.
Atacamite Crystal Structure
Here is information on the structural make-up of this mineral.
Luster
The luster for this mineral is adamantine (a luster similar to that of diamonds) and vitreous (the luster which is commonly demonstrated by a broken glass).
Transparency
The transparency of Atacamite crystals vary between transparent and translucent.
Crystal System
Crystals of this mineral are orthorhombic (2m/2m/2m).
Crystal Patterns
The slender, striated crystals of Atacamite can be columnar, fibrous to acicular and anhedral to subhedral.
Cleavage
Atacamite stones have perfectly aligned cleavage in one direction.
Fracture
The Atacamite mineral is splintery and conchoidal.
Electron Density
Electron Density or bulk density of Atacamite crystals is 3.61gm/cc.
Atacamite Formation
Atacamite crystals are formed in arid regions where the mineral deposits of copper go through oxidization.
Atacamite Occurrence
Atacamite is common in arid regions with oxidizable copper minerals. It is primarily found in Atacamite Desert in North Chile, which is one of the driest areas in the world. It is in dry regions that Copper is exposed to oxidation.
There are some other locations in the world where nodules of this mineral can be found. These are
- Wallaroo, Australia
- Pinal County, Arizona, United States
- Namibia
- UK
- Mexico
- Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
- Lily Mine, Peru
Due to its green color, it is also often associated with many other colorful and rare minerals, such as
- Brochantite
- Cornetite
- Cuprite
- Chyrsocolla
- Caledonite
- Connellite
- Libethenite
- Linarite
- Malachite
- Pseudomalachite
Atacamite Uses
Some of the main uses of this mineral are as follows:
As a healing agent
It is believed that the Atacamite crystals have certain metaphysical properties and that it aids in healing. They help the thymus gland and build up a stronger immune system. Atacamite carries the heart chakra energy but it also has a beneficial influence on all the other chakras. These crystals also influence the throat chakra and help in self expression and communication, as well as build up confidence and increase self motivation. It also stimulates the thyroid gland and fills the body with energy and enthusiasm. The stone aids in developing independence.
As a spiritual agent
Atacamite crystals are often used for the purpose of meditation. They act as a stimulant for the pineal gland and open the third eye. This helps in the development of psychic visualization abilities as well as establishing efficient communication with the higher self. It helps in increasing the intensity of one’s clairaudient and clairvoyant abilities and acts as a protective stone from negative energies.
As a health promoter
The crystals of Atacamite stimulate the sacral chakra and helps the kidneys in elimination of fear based toxins. They also help in developing creativity as well as unconditional love and altruism. The healing properties of these crystals also stretch to the reproductive organs. It helps in elimination of health problems relating to this area.
In manufacturing jewelries
Atacamite is also used to make nice jewelry pieces. People wear them close to the body both for their aesthetic beauty as well as to avail their amazing healing properties. Small pieces of this stone are conveniently used to make beautifully designed necklaces and pendants.
Atacamite is also commonly used as a mineral specimen and is regarded as minor ore of copper.
Atacamite for sale
Atacamite can be bought from shops selling various minerals and crystals. They are also available in various New Age shops. Alternatively, these crystals can also be bought from online shops. The price depends on the size and purity of the crystal.
Atacamite Images
Here are some images showing the prismatic crystal formations of Atacamite. Go through these Atacamite pictures to know all about the appearance of this substance looks
The rarity of the Atacamite crystal, combined with its amazing healing properties, has made it an indispensable item for collectors of crystals.
- References
- Galleries.com
- http://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/atacamite.html
- http://webmineral.com/data/Atacamite.shtml
- http://www.mindat.org/min-406.html
