Atacamite on Chrysocolla from La Farola, Chile – Radiating Crystal Aggregates

This Atacamite specimen from the La Farola Mine in Chile shows several dark green Atacamite aggregates on a pale green to whitish-green, Chrysocolla-bearing matrix. Particularly striking is the radiating to tufted arrangement of the crystals, which project distinctly from the matrix in several individual groups.

Measuring 5.2 × 4.9 × 1.0 cm and weighing 27.6 g, this is a small cabinet specimen. The relatively flat matrix plate carries several separate Atacamite groups and displays a clearly recognizable appearance that is characteristic of the locality.

Radiating to tufted Atacamite crystals

The Atacamite crystals are opaque and show a very dark green to black-green coloration. Depending on the angle of illumination, individual green reflections become more prominent.

The crystals are predominantly acicular to bladed and intergrown into radiating to tufted aggregates. In the larger groups, numerous individual crystal faces and elongated crystal forms are clearly visible.

The Atacamite aggregates occur on a pale green to whitish matrix dominated by Chrysocolla. This creates a strong contrast between the dark, lustrous crystals and the much lighter substrate.

Atacamite from La Farola in Chile

The La Farola Mine in Chile is regarded as a classic locality for Atacamite. It is especially known for specimens with dark green, radiating or tufted Atacamite crystals on Chrysocolla-bearing matrix.

This specimen also displays this characteristic La Farola association very well. Its main appeal lies in the several clearly separated crystal groups, their radiating habit, and the strong contrast with the pale Chrysocolla matrix.