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Olivenite

Olivenite

A species of Olivenite Group, Also known as Pharmacochalcite, Acicular Arseniate of Copper, Olive-Green Copper Ore, Pharmacochalzite, Wood-Copper

Olivenite is readily found intermingled with other copper-rich minerals in copper deposit regions where oxidation has been abundant. It possesses a perfect density and sheen for polishing and cutting. When processed in that manner, it becomes the popular birthstone, Peridot. The existence of olivenite is reported from outer space: fragments of it have been found in meteors and it is likely present on asteroids.

Hardness
Hardness:

3

Density
Density:

4.45 g/cm³

General Info About Olivenite

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Physical Properties of Olivenite

Luster
Pearly, Resinous, Silky, Sub-vitreous, Sub-adamantine
Diaphaneity
Translucent to opaque
Colors
Olive green to yellow, brown, gray-green, grayish white, light green in transmitted light.
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Tenacity
Brittle
Cleavage
Indistinct
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Streak
Olive green to brown
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Hardness
3 , Soft
Density
4.45 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight
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Chemical Properties of Olivenite

Chemical Classification
Arsenates
Formula
Cu2(AsO4)(OH)
Elements listed
As, Cu, H, O
Common Impurities
Fe, P

Health Risk of Olivenite

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What is the hazards of Olivenite?

Harm Type
Heavy Metals
Olivenite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Copper.

How to prevent the risks of Olivenite?

Avoid inhaling its dust!
Avoid putting it into mouth!
It's advisable to handle olivenite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing olivenite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store olivenite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.

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Rarity
Rare

Characteristics of Olivenite

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Cultural Significance of Olivenite

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Uses of Olivenite

Olivenite is a minor source of copper in some places. Copper has a variety of applications, from making coins to conducting electricity to detecting sugar. However, the relative rarity of this mineral makes other more common ores preferential. Olivenite is also collected as a specimen.

Distribution of Olivenite

The mineral was formerly found in some abundance, associated with limonite and quartz, in the upper workings in the copper mines of the St Day district in Cornwall; also near Redruth, and in the Tintic Mining District in Utah. It is a mineral of secondary origin, a result of the oxidation of copper ores and arsenopyrite.

Etymology of Olivenite

A characteristic feature, and one to which the name alludes (German, Olivenerz, of A. G. Werner, 1789), is the olive-green color, which varies in shade from blackish-green in the crystals to almost white in the finely fibrous variety known as woodcopper.

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