ROSASITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Rosasite is a blue-green secondary mineral primarily composed of copper, zinc, and carbonate. It belongs to the monoclinic crystal system and has a chemical formula of (Cu,Zn)2(CO3)(OH)2. It commonly occurs as thin tabular prismatic crystals, aggregates, or botryoidal formations.
Rosasite derives its name from the Sierra Rosario in Mexico, where it was first discovered. It is primarily found in oxidized copper-zinc deposits associated with other minerals like malachite, azurite, and smithsonite. Additionally, it is known to occur in lead and silver ores.
In terms of physical properties, rosasite exhibits a vitreous to pearly luster. It possesses a Mohs hardness of 4 to 4.5, indicating its relatively moderate hardness. This mineral can range in color from bluish-green to sky-blue, often with a pale blue streak. It has a specific gravity between 4.0 and 4.5, rendering it significantly denser than water.
Rosasite is an attractive mineral that is sometimes used as a collector's gemstone or as an ornamental material due to its vibrant color and interesting crystal formations. However, it is relatively rare and not widely available, making it less common in jewelry or other commercial applications.
From a geological perspective, rosasite is a product of the weathering and alteration of primary copper and zinc minerals. It typically forms in oxidized environments, where the presence of oxygen and carbon dioxide enable the formation of carbonates such as rosasite.
Etymology of ROSASITE
The word rosasite is derived from the Latin word rosa, which means rose. This name was given to the mineral due to its pinkish color that resembles the petals of a rose flower. The suffix -ite is a common suffix used to designate minerals. Therefore, rosasite literally means rose-like mineral.
