Crystopedia
IMA mineral species ⚠ Handle with care

Atacamite

Cu₂Cl(OH)₃

Halide mineral.

GreenBlack

Atacamite specimen
Atacamite on malachite - Mt Gunson mines, South Australia.jpg · Wikimedia Commons (see file page for author & license)

Properties

Chemical formulaCu₂Cl(OH)₃
ElementsCu, Cl, O, H
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Mohs hardness—
Density—
Streak—
Color—
IMA symbolAta
Nickel–Strunz class3.DA.10a

“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.

⚠ Handle With Care Low caution

☠ Toxic if ingested😷 Dust / fibre inhalation hazard🚫 Don't make water elixirs

Why: Copper chloride hydroxide. It is harmful if swallowed or inhaled as dust.

Safe handling: Wash your hands after handling. Don't lick it, put it in your mouth, or make elixirs with it. Don't cut or grind it. Display it out of reach of children and pets.

Sources: Wikipedia: Atacamite · ATSDR ToxFAQs: Copper · Mindat: Atacamite. General safety information only, not medical advice. More on safe handling.

🌍 Where it's found

Type locality (where it was first described): Atacama Region, Chile

  • Type locality
  • Notable source / deposit
  • Country of origin

Marker positions are approximate (region or locality level). Type localities from Wikidata; notable sources curated by Crystopedia.

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