Agardite-(Ce) is a rare secondary mineral typically found as delicate, needle-like crystals or radiating tufts in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant yellowish-green color and habit, though it is often visually indistinguishable from other members of the mixite group without chemical analysis.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMixite Group family

Agardite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this agardite-(ce)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch agardite-(ce) with a known reference. Agardite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Agardite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Agardite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green, green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystals forming radiating sprays.

Often confused with

Agardite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside agardite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with agardite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆(Ce,Ca,La)₃(AsO₄)₃(OH)₆·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.8-4.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Acicular or Fibrous Crystals Forming Radiating Sprays
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find agardite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Laurion, Greece
Bou Azzer, Morocco
Tsumeb, Namibia
Jachymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal base metal deposits country — that is the host setting where agardite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, azurite, conichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous crystals forming radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify agardite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green, green.

Where is agardite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Laurion, Greece; Bou Azzer, Morocco; Tsumeb, Namibia; Jachymov, Czech Republic.

How much is agardite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is agardite-(ce) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and arsenic. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust when cleaning specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like agardite-(ce)?+

Agardite-(Ce) is most often confused with Mixite, Agardite-(Y). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with agardite-(ce)?+

Agardite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Malachite, Azurite, Conichalcite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does agardite-(ce) form in?+

Agardite-(Ce) typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal base metal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is agardite-(ce) used for?+

Agardite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find agardite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.