Botallackite

A variety of Minerals

Botallackite specimen

What is Botallackite?

Botallackite, chemical formula Cu2(OH)3Cl is a secondary copper mineral, named for its type locality at the Botallack Mine, St Just in Penwith, Cornwall. It is polymorphous with atacamite, paratacamite and clinoatacamite [Wikidata]. Botallackite crystallises in the monoclinic crystal system. It is mountain-green to green in colour, with one distinct to good cleavage.

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Botallackite before comparing listings or appraisals.

Size & Weight

Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.

Rarity & Demand

Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.

Condition & Finish

Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.

Treatment & Provenance

Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Botallackite Localities Map

See where Botallackite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Key Characteristics

Formation of Botallackite

It was first described in 1865 for an occurrence in the Botallack mine, Cornwall, England, and named for the type locality. Botallackite forms in copper deposits exposed to weathering and salt water. It is reported from black smoker deposits due to reaction of primary sulfide minerals with seawater. It also occurs on copper bearing slag exposed to seawater. Minerals associated with botallackite include atacamite, paratacamite, brochantite, connellite and gypsum.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Mountain-green, bluish green to green; pale bluish green in transmitted light
Density
3.6 g/cm³

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
Cu2(OH)3Cl
Elements
Cl, Cu, H, O
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Botallackite FAQs

How do I identify Botallackite?

Botallackite can be identified by its Mountain-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Botallackite?

Botallackite typically appears in Mountain-green, bluish green to green; pale bluish green in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

What is the formation of botallackite of Botallackite?

It was first described in 1865 for an occurrence in the Botallack mine, Cornwall, England, and named for the type locality. Botallackite forms in copper deposits exposed to weathering and salt water. It is reported from black smoker deposits due to reaction of primary sulfide minerals with seawater. It also occurs on copper bearing slag exposed to seawater. Minerals associated with botallackite include atacamite, paratacamite, brochantite, connellite and gypsum.

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