Home > Mexico III Ojuela I – January 12 > MS1716 Adamite (cuprian) ex Perkin

Adamite (cuprian) ex Perkin - Sold


Adamite is a zinc arsenate. Friedel (1866) named the species after Gilbert-Joseph Adam (1795-1881), French mineralogist and mineral collector, who discovered the mineral on Chilean specimens. Adamite is a so-called allochromatic mineral species, one without inherent color from its ideal chemistry. Minor copper substitution for zinc imparts green coloration in adamite, such as in this example.

Adamite here forms green crystals to 6 mm, covering a gossan matrix. This particular color of adamite is uncommon, and seems different than specimens found since 2008. This piece is mounted by famous mineral dealer Willard "Perk" Perkin (1907-1991), and comes in his custom thumbnail 'Perky" box. Like many original "Perkies", this piece has a sawn back.