Ramsbeckite (Field of view 1.4 mm) Locality: Pontinha nº3 Mine, Souto Maior, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Portugal Group of green ramsbeckite crystals on chalcopyrite. Collected 2014. XRD and EDS analyzed. This photo was originally published in: Alves, P. (2017) The Mining District of Vale das Gatas, Sabrosa, Portugal. Mineral Up Vol. IV, nº5, 8-53. — Photo: Pedro Alves · CC BY 3.0
Ramsbeckite
Ramsbeckite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula Cu₁₅(SO₄)₄(OH)₂₂·6H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/a).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5; specific gravity 3.39–3.41; Pale green streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Rbe, IMA status: approved, named in 1984.
Rarely formed by supergene oxidation in dump materials and slag.
It is found associated with Chalcopyrite, linarite, brochantite, serpierite, schulenbergite, smithsonite, hydrozincite, connellite, chalcophyllite (Germany); linarite, anglesite.
The name refers to Ramsbeck, Germany, near the location from which the species was first noted.