Aubertite is a rare hydrated copper aluminum sulfate chloride mineral that typically forms as a secondary product in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. Collectors primarily identify it by its distinct pale blue color and its association with other secondary sulfate minerals in arid climates.
Is this aubertite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch aubertite with a known reference. Aubertite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aubertite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aubertite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, pale blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, crusts.
Often confused with
Aubertite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside aubertite
Minerals reported to co-occur with aubertite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuAl(SO₄)₂Cl·14H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper-rich Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find aubertite
Classic worldwide localities
- La Alcaparrosa mine, Argentina
- Chuquicamata, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper-rich ore deposits country — that is the host setting where aubertite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcanthite, gypsum, pickeringite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aubertite?+
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Find aubertite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
