3.25" Striking Green Conichalcite Formation - Utah
This is a beautiful formation of striking green conichalcite microcrystals that formed as botryoidal aggregates, formed in association with numerous flecks of brownish goethite and a cluster of whitish quartz. It was collected from the Gold Hill Mining District of Tooele County in western Utah. It closely resembles cornwallite, another green copper-based mineral found in this mine that also forms in botryoidal formations.
Conichalcite is an arsenate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. Often it will bear a vibrant green color, though it will display a variety of colors from grass-green to yellow-green. It is the arsenic-rich end member of the series, and calciovolborthite is the vanadium-rich end member.
Conichalcite contains a significant amount of poisonous arsenic, making it somewhat toxic. Therefore, washing hands following handling of conichalcite specimens is recommended.
Chemical formula: CaCu(AsO4)(OH)
Conichalcite contains a significant amount of poisonous arsenic, making it somewhat toxic. Therefore, washing hands following handling of conichalcite specimens is recommended.
Chemical formula: CaCu(AsO4)(OH)
SPECIES
Conichalcite, Quartz & Goethite
LOCATION
Frankie Mine, Gold Hill Mining District, Tooele County, Utah
SIZE
Entire Specimen: 3.25 x 2.95"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#284964