Formula: Cu36(NO3)2Cl8(OH)62.nH2O
Nitrate containing halogen, forms a series with connellite
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Specific gravity: 3.42
Hardness: 3
Streak: Light blue
Colour: Deep blue; blue in transmitted light
Solubility: Soluble in acids and in ammonium hydroxide, insoluble in water
Environments
Buttgenbachite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidised portions
of copper deposits; the nitrate may be of biological origin. Associated minerals include cuprite,
likasite, gerhardtite,
malachite, brochantite and
silver
(HOM).
Localities
At the type locality, the Likasi Mine, Likasi, Kambove District, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo, buttgenbachite is found as flat needles
about 1 mm in length in a cavity in cuprite associated with
native silver
(AM 11.216).
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