Agardite-(La) is a rare secondary copper arsenate mineral found in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant green or yellow-green color and characteristic radiating sprays of tiny, needle-like acicular crystals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMixite Group family

Agardite-(La)

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

Is this agardite-(la)?

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-(la) with a known reference. Agardite-(La) 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-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Agardite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, light green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays, tufts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside agardite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆(La,Ca)Al(AsO₄)₃(OH)₆·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green Light Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays, Tufts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Research
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find agardite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Laurium, Greece
Tsumeb, Namibia
Majuba Hill, Nevada, USA
Clichy, France

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify agardite-(la)?+

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

Where is agardite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Laurium, Greece; Tsumeb, Namibia; Majuba Hill, Nevada, USA; Clichy, France.

How much is agardite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is agardite-(la) safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like agardite-(la)?+

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

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

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

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

Agardite-(La) 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-(la) used for?+

Agardite-(La) is used in collector, mineralogical research.

Find agardite-(la) on the map

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