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 has a brittle to conchoidal fracture. The luster is vitreous to greasy.

Additional recommended knowledge

What is the Sensitivity of my Balance?

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

Weighing the right way

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 Zarate (1793-1861).

See also

• List of minerals
• List of minerals named after people

References

• Mineral Data Publishing, PDF
• Webmineral data
• Mindat with location data