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. Paratacamite-(Ni) leaves a apple green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paratacamite-(Ni) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, dark green, emerald 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: Luster reads vitreous on Paratacamite-(Ni) and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratacamite-(Ni) leaves apple green, Botallackite leaves pale green.
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
- 3.75 g/cm³
- Streak
- Apple Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Crystalline Aggregates, Encrustations
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paratacamite-(ni)
Classic worldwide localities
- Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Atacama Region, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where paratacamite-(ni) typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, azurite, cuprite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, crystalline aggregates, encrustations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paratacamite-(ni)?+
Where is paratacamite-(ni) found?+
How much is paratacamite-(ni) worth?+
Is paratacamite-(ni) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like paratacamite-(ni)?+
What minerals are found with paratacamite-(ni)?+
What kind of rock does paratacamite-(ni) form in?+
What is paratacamite-(ni) used for?+
Find paratacamite-(ni) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
