*** All information about the metaphysical properties of the listings on this site is for reference only and is to be understood in this context. It is based on research of opinions and beliefs from different cultures today and throughout history and my own personal beliefs.The information is not to be taken as a replacement for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. ***

This specimen weighs 10g and measures 2.5cm x 2.5cm x 1cm.

Zaratite is an emerald-green nickel carbonate mineral that forms as an alteration product of chromite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and millerite in serpentinites and ultramafic rocks. It occurs as fibrous to spherulitic microcrystals and amorphous coatings. It has a hardness of 3.5, is birefringent, and is commonly found associated with brucite, hydromagnesite, calcite, aragonite, and dolomite.

It is a valuable indicator of potential concentrations of Nickel, but also of Chromium and Platinum, it’s classic companions. It was named in honor of Antonio Gil y Zarate, a Spanish playwright and state councilor. Zaratite occurs in incrustations, coatings, sometimes in stalactites of a beautiful green color, cubic crystals are very rare.

This specimen is from the Lord Brassey Mine, Heazlewood District, Waratah-Wynyard Municipality, Tasmania, Australia.

The Lord Brassey mine is located on Brassey Hill, about 17 km west of Waratah in western Tasmania. This small mine operated on a nickel sulphide occurrence in ultrabasic rocks (now mostly serpentinite). The sulphide ores probably formed after deformation of these rock types, and later weathering converted some of the sulphides into carbonates.

This former nickel mine is the type locality for Heazlewoodits and Hellherite, and the source of many rare minerals, including Awaruite, Dipingite, Retgersite, Reevesite, Theophrastite, Zaratite and several new, unnamed minerals.