Christelite

christelite

Images

Formula: Zn₃Cu₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₆.4H₂O
Hydrated sulphate of zinc and copper
Crystal system: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 3.14 measured, 3.20 calculated
Hardness: 2 to 3
Streak: Bright greenish blue
Colour: Geenish blue
Luminescence: Not fluorescent under UV
Solubility: Soluble in hydrochloric and nitric acids
Environments

Hydrotheral environments

Localities

At the type locality, the San Francisco Mine, Caracoles, Caracoles mining district, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta, Chile, christelite occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxidised portions of the copper-zinc sulphide deposit. Associated minerals include zincian paratacamite, anglesite, hemimorphite, gordaite and quartz (HOM).
Christelite from the San Francisco Mine - Image

Back to Minerals