Mineralpedia Details for Natrochalcite
Natrochalcite
Named for the sodium and copper in the composition after the Latin natrium, for “sodium,” and the Greek chalkos, for “copper.” Natrochalcite is a rare mineral that occurs in arid regions in oxidized copper deposits. It is found in Chile, Italy and the United States only. Natrochalcite is lightly soluble in water.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/natrochalcite.pdf
- Formula
- NaCu2(SO4)2(OH)·H2O
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
- Crystal Habit
- Fibrous
- Cleavage
- Perfect, None, None
- Luster
- Vitreous (Glassy)
- Color
- emerald green
- Streak
- greenish white
- Class
- Monoclinic - Prismatic
- Fracture
- Brittle - Uneven
- Hardness
- 4.5
- WebMineral
- View Natrochalcite
- Mindat
- View Natrochalcite
Natrochalcite from Chuquicamata mine, El Loa Prov., Antofagasta, Chile
Light to dark green, translucent prismatic crystals to 2mm.
Deep green crystals to about 1mm in a 1cm plus patch.
Click thumbnail images for larger view.
