Aurichalcite

Mineral formula: (Zn,Cu)₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆

Crystal system: monoclinic

Crystal habit: radiating masses of acicular crystals

Cleavage: Perfect on {010} and {100}.

Fracture: irregular, uneven

Color: pale green, sky blue, greenish-blue

Luster: silky, pearly

Diaphaneity: transparent

Moh’s scale hardness: 1 - 2

Streak: light blue

Specific gravity: 3.96

Named after: “Aurichalcum” means mountain copper. in 1839, Böttger named the mineral for its copper and zinc content, the constituents of brass.

Type locality: Loktevskoye Mine, Upper Loktevka River, Altai Krai, Russia

Geologic occurrence: A secondary mineral in copper and zinc deposits, aurichalcite is typically found as blue or green crusts or mats of tiny acicular crystals, often as feathery, tufted, drusy coatings.

Energetic properties: aurichalcite is a soothing stone, and enhances courage, in particular the knowing that the only thing to fear is fear itself. This brings greater inner harmony and personal courage, promoting the freedom to think and create for yourself and to share your originality.