Ramsbeckite

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Formula: Cu₁₅(SO₄)₄(OH)₂₂.6H₂O
Hydrated sulphate containing hydroxyl, namuwite group
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.39 measured, 3.37 calculated
Hardness: 3½
Streak: Light green
Colour: Green
Solubility: Soluble in dilute acids
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Ramsbeckite is formed rarely by supergene oxidation in dump materials and slag (HOM).

Localities

At the type locality, the Bastenberg Mine, Ramsbeck, Bestwig, Hochsauerlandkreis, Arnsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, ramsbeckite was found on quartz, chalcopyrite, slate and slag. Associated minerals include linarite, bronchantite, serpierite, schulenbergite, chalcopyrite, smithsonite, hydrozincite, connellite and chalcophyllite. The ramsbeckite apparently formed by recent weathering of copper and zinc bearing ore minerals (AM 72.225, HOM).

At the Ecton Mine, Perkiomen Mines, Audubon, Lower Providence Township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, USA, ramsbeckite has been found associated with linarite, anglesite, pyromorphite, posnjakite and serpierite (HOM).

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