Natrochalcite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Natrochalcite
Formula:
NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2O
Colour:
Bright green; green in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
4½
Specific Gravity:
3.47 - 3.51
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
In allusion to the composition, containing sodium (Latin = NATRium) and copper (CHALCo-)
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2853
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2853:6
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
3f017658-5862-4d0d-b872-c11072e2bed0
IMA Classification of Natrochalcite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · H2O
First published:
1908
Classification of Natrochalcite
7.DF.15
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
31.8.1.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
8 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
8 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
25.2.12
25 : Sulphates
2 : Sulphates of Cu and Ag
25 : Sulphates
2 : Sulphates of Cu and Ag
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Nch | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Natrochalcite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Bright green; green in transmitted light.
Streak:
Greenish white
Hardness:
4½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001}, perfect.
On {001}, perfect.
Density:
3.47 - 3.51 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.54 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Natrochalcite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.649 nβ = 1.655 nγ = 1.714
2V:
Measured: 36° , Calculated: 38°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.065
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r < v strong
Chemistry of Natrochalcite
Mindat Formula:
NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2O
Crystallography of Natrochalcite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.809(1) Å, b = 6.187(1) Å, c = 7.509(1) Å
β = 118.74(1)°
β = 118.74(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.424 : 1 : 1.214
Unit Cell V:
358.83 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals pyramidal {111}. {110} commonly well-developed, but faces of the remaining forms are usually small and often not present in their full complement; cross-fiber veinlets.
Twinning:
Contact and interpenetrating.
Comment:
Synthetic
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0010968 | Natrochalcite | Giester G, Zemann J (1987) The crystal structure of the natrochalcite-type compounds Me+Cu2(OH)(zO4)2*H2O [Me+ = Na,K,Rb; z = S,Se], with special reference to the hydrogen bonds Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 179 431-442 |  | 1987 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
| 0011040 | Natrochalcite | Chevrier G, Giester G, Zemann J (1993) Neutron refinements of NaCu2(H3O2)(SO4)2 and RbCu2(H3O2)(SeO4)2: Variation of the hydrogen bond system in the natrochalcite-type series Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 206 7-14 | | 1993 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.797 Å | (100) |
| 6.57 Å | (80) |
| 3.44 Å | (80) |
| 2.522 Å | (80) |
| 3.20 Å | (70) |
| 4.82 Å | (60) |
| 2.302 Å | (60) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] |
Type Occurrence of Natrochalcite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Clusters of crystals and twin groups to 1.5 cm. Single crystals and fibrous or acicular aggregates to 4 cm. Solid crusts to 2 cm thick.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 97537, 97538.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidation zone of a copper deposit in an arid environment.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Palache, C., Warren, C.H. (1908) Kröhnkite, natrochalcite (a new mineral), and other sulphates from Chile. American Journal of Science: 26: 342-348.
Other Language Names for Natrochalcite
Relationship of Natrochalcite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
| Alumolukrahnite | Ca[CuAl](AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Cabalzarite | CaMg2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Cobaltlotharmeyerite | CaCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Cobalttsumcorite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Ferrilotharmeyerite | CaZnFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Gartrellite | PbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Helmutwinklerite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Kaliochalcite | KCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)] | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Krettnichite | PbMn3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Lotharmeyerite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Lukrahnite | CaCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH,H2O)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Manganlotharmeyerite | CaMn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Mawbyite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Mounanaite | PbFe3+2(VO4)2(OH,F)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickellotharmeyerite | CaNi2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickelschneebergite | BiNi2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickeltsumcorite | Pb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Phosphogartrellite | PbCuFe3+(PO4)2(OH,H2O)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Rappoldite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Schneebergite | BiCo2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Thometzekite | PbCu2+2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Tsumcorite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Yancowinnaite | PbCuAl(AsO4)2OH · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Zincgartrellite | PbZn2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 22 photos of Natrochalcite associated with Kröhnkite | Na2Cu(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 9 photos of Natrochalcite associated with Leightonite | K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Natrochalcite associated with Copper | Cu |
| 1 photo of Natrochalcite associated with Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| 1 photo of Natrochalcite associated with Dioptase | CuSiO3 · H2O |
| 1 photo of Natrochalcite associated with Lammerite | Cu3(AsO4)2 |
| 1 photo of Natrochalcite associated with Antlerite | Cu3(SO4)(OH)4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DF. | Aldridgeite | (Cd,Ca)(Cu,Zn)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF. | Chromschieffelinite | Pb10Te6+6O20(OH)14(CrO4)(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF. | Alcaparrosaite | K3Ti4+Fe3+(SO4)4O(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF. | Bairdite | Pb2Cu2+4Te6+2O10(OH)2(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Carlsonite | (NH4)5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 7H2O |
| 7.DF. | Ammoniomathesiusite | (NH4)5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5) · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Erssonite | Mg7Fe3+2(OH)18[Ca(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.DF. | Flaggite | Pb4Cu2+4Te6+2(SO4)2O11(OH)2(H2O) |
| 7.DF. | Poellmannite | Ca6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DF. | Haywoodite | [Pb(H2O)10][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3] |
| 7.DF. | Cherokeeite | [Pb2Zn(OH)4](SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Cuprocherokeeite | [Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Tzeferisite | CaZn8(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)9 |
| 7.DF.05 | Uklonskovite | NaMg(SO4)F · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.10 | Kainite | KMg(SO4)Cl · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.10 | Kaliochalcite | KCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)] |
| 7.DF.17 | Unnamed (Ba-Sb Silicate-Sulphate-Hydroxide-Hydrate) | Ba3Sb5+[(Si,S)O3(OH)]2(OH,O)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.17 | Genplesite | Ca3Sn(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Metasideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Sideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Despujolsite | Ca3Mn4+(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Fleischerite | Pb3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Schaurteite | Ca3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Mallestigite | Pb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.30 | Slavíkite | (H3O+)3Mg6Fe15(SO4)21(OH)18 · 98H2O |
| 7.DF.35 | Metavoltine | K2Na6Fe2+Fe3+6O2(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Lannonite | Mg2Ca4Al4(SO4)8F8 · 24H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Vlodavetsite | AlCa2(SO4)2F2Cl · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.45 | Peretaite | Ca(SbO)4(SO4)2(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.50 | Gordaite | NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O |
| 7.DF.50 | Calamaite | Na2TiO(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.52 | Scordariite | K8(Fe3+0.67◻0.33)[Fe3+3O(SO4)6]2 · 14H2O |
| 7.DF.52 | Huizingite-(Al) | [(NH4)9(SO4)2][(Al,Fe3+)3(OH)2(H2O)4(SO4)6] |
| 7.DF.55 | Clairite | (NH4)2Fe3(SO4)4(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.55 | Giacovazzoite | K5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 10H2O |
| 7.DF.57 | Magnanelliite | K3Fe3+2(SO4)4(OH)(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF.60 | Arzrunite | Cu4Pb2(SO4)(OH)4Cl6 · 2H2O (?) |
| 7.DF.60 | Evdokimovite | Tl4(VO)3(SO4)5(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF.62 | Bridgesite-(Ce) | CaCe2Cu6(SO4)4(OH)12 · 8H2O |
| 7.DF.65 | Elyite | Pb4Cu(SO4)O2(OH)4 · H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Lautenthalite | PbCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Yecoraite | Fe3+3Bi5(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)O9 · 9H2O |
| 7.DF.75 | Riomarinaite | Bi(SO4)(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.80 | Dukeite | Bi3+24Cr6+8O57(OH)6 · 3H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Slowly soluble in water. Readily soluble in acids.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Natrochalcite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2853.html
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References for Natrochalcite
Reference List:
Frost, Ray L., Kloprogge, J. Theo, Martens, Wayde N. (2004) Raman spectroscopy of the arsenates and sulphates of the tsumcorite mineral group. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 35 (1). 28-35 doi:10.1002/jrs.1076
Localities for Natrochalcite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Chile | |
| Anthonyt |
| Kampf et al. (2012) |
| Palache et al. (1908) +2 other references |
France | |
| Georges FAVREAU collection and EDX ... |
Greece | |
| Rieck et al. (2018) +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Balassone et al. (2019) |
| Quagliarella (1966) |
USA | |
| EDS by Tony Kampf |
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Chuquicamata Mine, Chuquicamata District, Calama, El Loa Province, Antofagasta, Chile