Natrochalcite (extremely rare)

Item Description

Here we have an extremely rare specimen of Natrochalcite a hydrated sodium copper sulfate, found in only about 7 localities on Earth according to the listing on mindat.org. This piece is from the type locality for the species, the famed Chuquicamata Mine in Chile. This mine is actually one of the largest mines in the world, and according to the entry on mindat.org, the largest open pit copper mine on Earth. Natrochalcite has been known since the 1908, and was named after its chemical composition (sodium = NATRium and copper = CHALCo in Latins). Despite the fact that it has been known for over a century, it is still incredibly hard to find, and the pieces from Chuquicamata are the finest examples ever found. This piece is an excellent and notably rich specimen filled with beautiful rich green colored, bladed crystals of Natrochalcite measuring to about 2 mm on matrix. Under magnification, you can see that there are some distinct, well-formed crystals on the piece. A great specimen for any fan of rarities, copper species or minerals from the type locality.
Ex John Dagenais Collection (#JD-812).