Botallackite: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:32, 15 February 2025

Botallackite[edit]

Botallackite is a rare copper chloride mineral with the chemical formula Cu₂Cl(OH)₃. It is named after the Botallack Mine in Cornwall, England, where it was first discovered. Botallackite is part of the halide mineral group and is known for its distinctive green color and unique crystal structure.

Properties[edit]

Botallackite typically forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It is often associated with other copper minerals such as atacamite, paratacamite, and malachite. The mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and is known for its tabular and platy crystal habit.

Physical Properties[edit]

Color: Green
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular, platy
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
Mohs scale hardness: 2.5 - 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale green

Chemical Properties[edit]

Botallackite is composed primarily of copper, chlorine, and hydroxide ions. Its chemical formula is Cu₂Cl(OH)₃, indicating that it contains two copper atoms, one chlorine atom, and three hydroxide groups per formula unit.

Occurrence[edit]

Botallackite is typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, where it forms as a secondary mineral. It is often associated with other copper chloride minerals such as atacamite and paratacamite. The mineral is relatively rare and is primarily found in a few localities around the world, including the original Botallack Mine in Cornwall, England.

Uses[edit]

Due to its rarity, botallackite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying copper mineralogy. It does not have significant industrial applications but is valued for its unique crystal structure and association with other copper minerals.

Related pages[edit]

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-{{png-image}}
+== Botallackite ==
-'''Botallackite''' is a rare [[copper]] [[mineral]] with the chemical formula Cu<sub>2</sub>Cl(OH)<sub>3</sub>. It is noted for its striking green color and is named after the [[Botallack]] Mine in [[Cornwall]], [[United Kingdom]], where it was first identified. Botallackite belongs to the [[halide mineral]]s category and forms in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, often associated with other copper minerals such as [[atacamite]] and [[paratacamite]].
+[[File:Botallackite-sea82b.jpg|thumb|right|Botallackite crystal structure]]
-==Properties==
+'''Botallackite''' is a rare copper chloride mineral with the chemical formula Cu<sub>2</sub>Cl(OH)<sub>3</sub>. It is named after the Botallack Mine in Cornwall, England, where it was first discovered. Botallackite is part of the [[halide mineral]] group and is known for its distinctive green color and unique crystal structure.
-Botallackite crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system. It typically occurs as crusts or aggregates of small crystals. The mineral is soft, with a Mohs hardness of 3, and has a specific gravity of around 3.6. Its green color can range from bright to dark shades, depending on the specimen. Botallackite is also known for its solubility in acids and its occurrence in marine environments, where it can form as a result of the action of sea water on copper-bearing rocks.
-==Occurrence==
+== Properties ==
-Apart from its type locality in Cornwall, botallackite has been found in various locations around the world, including [[Australia]], [[Chile]], and the [[United States]]. It is often discovered in areas with a history of copper mining or in geological settings where copper minerals are naturally exposed to oxidizing conditions.
-==Uses==
+Botallackite typically forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It is often associated with other copper minerals such as [[atacamite]], [[paratacamite]], and [[malachite]]. The mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and is known for its tabular and platy crystal habit.
-Due to its rarity and aesthetic appeal, botallackite is primarily sought after by mineral collectors. It does not have significant industrial uses but serves as an interesting specimen for study within the fields of [[mineralogy]] and [[geology]].
-==See also==
+=== Physical Properties ===
-* [[Copper mining in the United Kingdom]]
-* [[List of minerals]]
-* [[Halide minerals]]
-[[Category:Minerals]]
+* '''Color''': Green
+* '''Crystal system''': Monoclinic
+* '''Crystal habit''': Tabular, platy
+* '''Cleavage''': Perfect on {001}
+* '''Mohs scale hardness''': 2.5 - 3
+* '''Luster''': Vitreous
+* '''Streak''': Pale green
+=== Chemical Properties ===
+Botallackite is composed primarily of copper, chlorine, and hydroxide ions. Its chemical formula is Cu<sub>2</sub>Cl(OH)<sub>3</sub>, indicating that it contains two copper atoms, one chlorine atom, and three hydroxide groups per formula unit.
+== Occurrence ==
+Botallackite is typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, where it forms as a secondary mineral. It is often associated with other copper chloride minerals such as [[atacamite]] and [[paratacamite]]. The mineral is relatively rare and is primarily found in a few localities around the world, including the original Botallack Mine in Cornwall, England.
+== Uses ==
+Due to its rarity, botallackite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying copper mineralogy. It does not have significant industrial applications but is valued for its unique crystal structure and association with other copper minerals.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Atacamite]]
+* [[Paratacamite]]
+* [[Malachite]]
+* [[Halide mineral]]
+[[Category:Halide minerals]]
 [[Category:Copper minerals]]
-[[Category:Halide minerals]]
+[[Category:Monoclinic minerals]]
-{{mineral-stub}}
-{{No image}}