Paratacamite

Paratacamite is a mineral in the halide minerals category. Its chemical formula is Cu₃(Cu,Zn)(OH)₆Cl₂. Its name is derived from its association with atacamite. Paratacamite was first described by Herbert Smith in 1906.^[3] The zincian endmember Cu₃(Zn)(OH)₆Cl₂ is called herbertsmithite, and paratacamite is polymorphous with botallackite and atacamite.^[4]

Paratacamite
Paratacamite from Cornwall, England
General
Category	Halide mineral
Formula	Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2
IMA symbol	Pata[1]
Strunz classification	III / D.01-55
Crystal system	Trigonal
Crystal class	Rhombohedral
Unit cell	a = 13,654, c = 14,041;
Identification
Formula mass	58.433 g/mol
Color	Green
Cleavage	Very good
Fracture	Conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness	3
Luster	Vitreous
Streak	Green
Diaphaneity	Transparent
Specific gravity	3.74
Density	3.74g/cm3
Solubility	Acid-soluble
References	[2]

It has been found in Chile, Botallack Mine in Cornwall, Broken Hill, Australia, and in Italy at Capo Calamita on the island of Elba.^[2]

See also

• Atacamite