Zaratite

Zaratite is a bright emerald green nickel carbonate mineral with formula Ni3CO3(OH)4·4H2O. 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.

Zaratite
Zaratite from Tasmania
General
CategoryCarbonates
Formula
(repeating unit)		Ni3CO3(OH)4·4H2O
Strunz classification5.DA.70
Crystal systemIsometric (in part amorphous)
Unit cella = 6.16 Å; Z = 1
Identification
References[1][2][3]

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).[1][3]

See also

References
  1. Mineral Data Publishing, PDF
  2. Webmineral data
  3. Mindat with location data
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