PARADAMITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Anhydrous arsenates
    Crystal system : Triclinic
    Chemistry : Zn2(AsO4)(OH)
    Rarity : Very rare

Paradamite is a very rare arsenate from the oxidation zones of polymetallic deposits. It can also sometimes be found in industrial slag. Its name comes from the Greek para (near) and its dimorphic relationship with adamite with which it is always associated. Paradamite is usually found in sheaf-like aggregates, rarely in equant and rounded striated crystals not exceeding 5 mm. Its color is pale yellow.

Main photo : Paradamite from Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico © Marcus J. Origlieri

Paradamite from Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico © Jason B. Smith
Paradamite from Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico © Marcus J. Origlieri
Paradamite from Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico © Vandall Thomas King
Paradamite from Tsumeb, Namibia © Neal Luppescu

Paradamite in the World

Paradamite is only known in two deposits : the Ojuela mine near Mapimi (Mexico) where it is found in crystals on limonite and in Tsumeb (Namibia). It is also reported in the Letmathe slag (Germany).

Paradamite in France

Paradamite is not present in the French underground.

Twinning

No twins known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 3.5
Density : 4.55
Fracture : Undetermined
Streak : White

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.726 to 1.780
Birefringence : 0.054
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : -

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None