Aurichalcite

Rob, is there a way where we can create a thread for Best of Smithsonite just to post our discussion in it? I feel as if we're taking up space in the aurichalcite thread when it should be in another thread entirely.

From my talks with Virgil, I gathered that he tested several different colors, including both sea-green and "Kelly blue" smithsonite, and the results were the same (probably with minor variations of copper present). I have no doubts that the aurichalcite "enhances" the color of a good many Magdalena District smithsonites, but I think it's pretty conclusive that copper substitutions play the largest role in giving smithsonite its color, whether green or blue. This theory is supported by specimens of green and blue smithsonite that have no discernable traces of aurichalcite present, either underneath the smithsonite itself or anywhere on the surrounding matrix.

Thanks Philip. Well that nails it. Thanks so much for the education!!!

I "started" a Smithsonite page in best minerals (http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,85,253858,253858#msg-253858) with a link to this thread. When we can get around to writing a smithsonite article the info here or a link can be included. Please feel feel to add anything

Sorry for Hijacking the thread

I duplicated much of the relevant discussion about the color cause in blue smithsonite and put it in the Best Minerals Smithsonite.

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.

Good work Rock.