ZARATITE

    Class : Carbonates, nitrates, borates
    Subclass : Hydrated carbonates
    Crystal system : Cubic
    Chemistry : Ni3CO3(OH)4 4H2O
    Rarity : Rare

Zaratite is a rare hydrated nickel carbonate found in the oxidized surface part of ultrabasic nickel-bearing rocks. It is a valuable indicator of potential concentrations of nickel, but also of chromium and platinum, its classic companions. It was named in honor of Antonio Gil y Zarate, a Spanish playwright and state councilor. Zaratite occurs in incrustations, coatings, sometimes in stalactites of a beautiful green color, cubic crystals are very rare.

Main photo : Zaratite from Lord Brassey Mine, Heazlewood, Tasmania, Australia © Stephan Wolfsried

Zaratite in the World

Spectacular samples have been discovered at Heazlewood (Tasmania, Australia) : zaratite is derived from the supergene alteration of heazlewoodite. Those which are perhaps the only known crystals come from Rapice (Czech Republic), where they occupy siderite geodes. Other beautiful specimens have been discovered in the Low and Wood mines in Pennsylvania, in the nickel serpentinites of Lillaz (Val d'Aosta, Italy), and at Khalilovo (Ural, Russia).

Right photo : Zaratite de Lord Brassey Mine, Heazlewood, Tasmanie, Australie © David Eicher


Zaratite in France

In France, zaratite is reported at Oms (Pyrénées-Orientales).

Twinning

No twinning known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 3.5
Density : 2.57 to 2.64
Fracture : Conchoidal
Streak : Light green

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.560 to 1.620
Birefringence : 0.012
Optical character : Biaxial
Pleochroism : Low
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : Hydrochloric acid

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None