Paratacamite-(Ni) is a rare secondary copper mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It occurs as distinct, deep green rhombohedral crystals or crusts and is identified by its relationship to the broader atacamite group minerals found in arid mining regions.
Is this paratacamite-(ni)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch paratacamite-(ni) with a known reference. Paratacamite-(Ni) sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, crystalline aggregates, encrustations.
Often confused with
Paratacamite-(Ni) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Paratacamite-(Ni) leaves light green, Atacamite leaves apple-green; luster reads vitreous on Paratacamite-(Ni) and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Paratacamite-(Ni) leaves light green, Clinoatacamite leaves greenish white; luster reads vitreous on Paratacamite-(Ni) and adamantine to vitreous on Clinoatacamite.
Often found alongside paratacamite-(ni)
Minerals reported to co-occur with paratacamite-(ni). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(Cu,Ni)(OH)₆Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.70 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral crystals, crystalline aggregates, encrustations
- Cleavage
- Good on {101̄1}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral formed by the oxidation of pentlandite in a saline environment
Where rockhounds find paratacamite-(ni)
Classic worldwide localities
- Carr Boyd Rocks Ni mine, Western Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral formed by the oxidation of pentlandite in a saline environment. If you start seeing gillardite, spangolite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, crystalline aggregates, encrustations. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paratacamite-(ni)?+
Where is paratacamite-(ni) found?+
Is paratacamite-(ni) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like paratacamite-(ni)?+
What minerals are found with paratacamite-(ni)?+
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Find paratacamite-(ni) on the map
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