Annabergite, (an-uh-bur-gahyt), is a mineral that belongs to the group of sulfates. The word originated from the town of Annaberg in Saxony, Germany where it was first discovered. The phonetic transcription of this word shows that the emphasis is on the second syllable "ber". The "a" in the first and third syllables are pronounced as the short "uh" sound. The middle syllable "ber" is pronounced with an "ur" sound, while the "g" in the fourth syllable should sound like a hard "g" followed by the long "ahy" sound.
Annabergite is a mineral that belongs to the arsenate mineral group. It is a deep green, or bluish-green mineral that forms in the orthorhombic crystal system. The name "annabergite" is derived from its original occurrence in the Annaberg mines of Saxony, Germany. It is typically found as secondary mineral deposits in oxidized nickel and cobalt ore deposits.
Chemically, annabergite is a hydrated nickel arsenate, with the chemical formula Ni3(AsO4)2 • 8H2O. It usually occurs in fibrous or acicular crystal formations, which are often finely crystalline or earthy in texture. Annabergite's luster ranges from vitreous to silky, and it has a transparent to translucent appearance. It is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3.
As a mineral, annabergite has a specific gravity of around 3.1 to 3.3 and is typically associated with other minerals such as erythrite, calcite, and smithsonite. It is known for its striking green color, which is attributed to the presence of nickel within its crystal structure.
Annabergite has been used as a minor source of nickel but is primarily valued for its aesthetic qualities. It is sought-after by mineral collectors due to its vibrant color and unique crystal formations. Its occurrence is relatively rare, and fine specimens can be found in various locations globally, including Germany, France, Morocco, the United States, and Australia.
The word "annabergite" comes from the name of a location called Annaberg in Saxony, Germany. It was in this region that the mineral was first discovered in the 19th century. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to indicate that the substance is a mineral.