Darapskite

Fine darapskite specimen from the classic nitrate–evaporite locality Pampa del Toro, Oficina Lautaro, Antofagasta Region, Chile. The material is white to colourless darapskite, preserved in a sealed glass vial, a standard and appropriate method for extremely water-soluble minerals.

Darapskite belongs to the nitrate–sulfate mineral group and was first described in 1896. The mineral is named after the Darapsky nitrate district of northern Chile. It is a secondary mineral formed under very specific chemical and climatic conditions.

Formation occurs through evaporation of highly saline, nitrate-rich solutions in extremely arid desert environments, commonly related to oxidation processes in sulfide-bearing deposits. Darapskite is characteristic of the unique geochemical setting of the Chilean nitrate fields.

The mineral is rare, as it forms only under highly restricted environmental conditions. It is also highly sensitive to humidity and readily soluble in water, making airtight preservation essential. For this reason, well-preserved specimens are uncommon and highly valued by systematic collectors.

This specimen originates from the former collection of C. Strömpl, an amateur mineralogist, and was not collected during the active mining period, but represents later material preserved for scientific and collector purposes.