Minerals & Gemstone 480x104
wpdiamonds.com



Advertising Information

Yellow Paradamite Balls

The Mineral paradamite




Paradamite is a rare polymorph of the more common Adamite. It is chemically the same mineral type as Adamite, but being that it crystallizes in a different crystal system, it is scientifically recognized as an individual mineral type. It is generally very hard to distinguish from regular Adamite by looks alone. Paradamite crystals are almost always embedded in rusting, crumbly, brown Limonite that stains the hands.
Chemical Formula Zn2(AsO4)(OH)
Composition Basic zinc arsenate
Color Pale to dark yellow
Streak White
Hardness 3.5
Crystal System Triclinic
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates		 As tabular and often rounded crystals, usually small in size and in crystal groupings.
Transparency Transparent to translucent
Specific Gravity 4.5
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage 1,3
Fracture Uneven
Tenacity Brittle
Other ID Marks Fluorescent yellow or yellow green in shortwave ultraviolet light.
In Group Phosphates; Arsenates
Striking Features Association with Limonite, crystals, and fluorescence.
Environment As a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of hydrothermal replacement deposits.
Rock Type Sedimentary, Metamorphic
Popularity (1-4) 4
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 3


Paradamite AUCTIONS

POLYMORPHS
Adamite



NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES
Paradamite is a very rare mineral with few localities. Its main occurrence is the prolific Adamite locality of Mapimi, Durango, Mexico. Two other localities are Tsumeb, Namibia; and Lavrion, Greece.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Limonite, Adamite, Aurichalcite, Austinite, Mimetite, Wulfenite, Hemimorphite

DISTINGUISHING SIMILAR MINERALS
Olivenite - Usually has a greener color and usually occurs in tall, thin crystals.
Smithsonite - Usually occurs finely globular, and doesn't fluoresce.
Adamite - Different crystal form.


paradamite PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
DISCUSSIONView Forum | Post to Forum
Have a question about Paradamite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
PAGE SPONSOR  

To sponsor this page, click here.

Let us know how we can update this page
(Click for more details)
We strive for accurate content and locality information. If you feel any of the content is incorrect, or if you feel we are missing vital locality information, please fill out the form below so we can update the site. If you are requesting a locality be added, please only include significant locality occurences for the mineral.