About Aurichalcite
A carbonate mineral of copper and zinc, forming delicate, sky-blue to greenish-blue acicular crystals or drusy crusts. It has a gentle energy, promoting peace, harmony, and courageous self-expression.
Primary Hues
Sky Blue, Pale Green, Greenish-Blue
Geological & Scientific Details
Aurichalcite is classified as a carbonate mineral mineral which typically crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its chemical formula is (Zn,Cu)5[(OH)3|CO3]2. Common crystal habits include typically in tufted divergent sprays or spherical aggregates, may be in thick crusts; rarely columnar, laminated or granular.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Carbonate mineral
- Chemical Formula: (Zn,Cu)5[(OH)3|CO3]2
- IMA Symbol: Ach[1]
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Predominant Geological Color: Pale green, greenish blue, light blue; colorless to pale blue, pale green in transmitted light
- Crystal Habit: Typically in tufted divergent sprays or spherical aggregates, may be in thick crusts; rarely columnar, laminated or granular
- Twinning: Observed in X-ray patterns
- Cleavage: {010} and {100} Perfect
- Luster: Pearly, silky
- Streak: Light blue
- Diaphaneity: Transparent
Associated Minerals
- Smithsonite
- Hemimorphite
- Rosasite
- Azurite
- Malachite
- Calcite