Atacamite is a comparatively rare mineral, formed from primary copper minerals in the oxidation or weathering zone of arid climates

Atacamite is a result of the oxidation of copper ores in saline or arid conditions. It's also a volcanic product in Vesuvian lavas. Atacamite is a copper chloride hydroxide mineral that is also polymorphous with two other minerals, Botallackite and Paratacamite.

 
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