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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals K-O |
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Libethenite |
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Name
Libethenite
Chemistry
Cu2(PO4)(OH)
Uses
As mineral specimens
Color-
Dark green, greenish-black
Hardness
4 Brittle
Specific gravity
3.9-4.0
Crystal system:
Orthorhombic. Crystal form: short prisms
Accompanied by:
Cuprite, pseudomalachite, limonite.
Fracture
Uneven, conchoidal
Luster
Greasy, vitreous
Cleavage
Imperfect
Streak
Light green
Similar to:
Atacamite, olivenite, malachite
Libethenite is a rare secondary copper mineral that is noted for its deep green color. It is found in deeply weathered, highly concentrated copper sulfide ore bodies. Libethenite is isostructural with the minerals olivenite, Cu2AsO4(OH) and adamite, Zn2AsO4(OH). This means that they share the same symmetry and crystal shapes. Libethenite's emerald green color and bright luster give it a well earned place in anyones collection.
It was named after the discovery locality, from Libethen, in Hungary, where it was first found
A mineral of an olive-green colour, commonly in orthorhombic crystals. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper.
