Gordaite first appeared after a research dive in September 1984 from the Juan de Fuca Ridge of the northeastern side of the Pacific Ocean.

[4] The mineral exhibits a hexagonal shape with clear or white (green if cuprian – Cu2+) crystals ranging from planar to broad habit and has a point group of 3.

The most recent finding occurred in the San Francisco mine in Chile where copper-zinc sulfide deposits were found.

The 1998 Nasdala article examines the ALV 1457-5R sample found on the sea floor of the Juan de Fuca Ridge.

Based on the findings of the dive at Juan de Fuca Ridge, gordaite was formed due to the reaction of discharging hydrothermal fluids with sea water.

Sodium ions lie between the layers in order to make up for the negative charges and are coordinated by six water molecules.

This occurrence is important because it shows the reaction of ocean water with hydrothermal fluids in the exterior oxidized portions of the chimney.

[7] Gordaite was named after the Sierra Gorda District of the Tocopilla Province of the Antofagasta region of Chile where it has been reported from the San Francisco mines and other locations.