Zaratite

Zaratite

Zaratite from Tasmania
General
Category Carbonates
Formula
(repeating unit)		 Ni3CO3(OH)4·4H2O
Strunz classification 5.DA.70
Crystal system Isometric
Unit cell a = 6.16 Å; Z = 1

Zaratite is a bright emerald green and questionable nickel carbonate mineral with formula Ni3CO3(O H)4·4 H2O. Zaratite crystallizes in the isometric crystal system as massive to mammillary encrustations and vein fillings. It has a specific gravity of 2.6 and a Mohs hardness of 3 to 3.5. It has no cleavage and is brittle to conchoidal fracture. The luster is vitreous to greasy.

It is a rare secondary mineral formed by hydration or alteration of the primary nickel and iron bearing minerals, chromite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and millerite, during the serpentinization of ultramafic rocks. Hellyerite, NiCO3·6H2O, is a related mineral.

It was found originally in Galicia, Spain in 1851, and named after Spanish diplomat and dramatist Antonio Gil y Zárate (1793–1861).

See also

References


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