Barlowite is a rare copper halide mineral first identified in the oxidation zone of copper deposits in Chile. It typically forms deep blue tabular crystals that are highly sought after by mineral collectors for their unique structure and vibrant color.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Blue

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHerbertsmithite Group family

Barlowite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Blue
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this barlowite?

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 barlowite with a known reference. Barlowite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barlowite leaves a light blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Barlowite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep blue, dark green-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often confused with

Barlowite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Herbertsmithite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Barlowite leaves light blue, Herbertsmithite leaves pale green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Barlowite leaves light blue, Paratacamite leaves apple green; luster reads vitreous on Barlowite and adamantine on Paratacamite.

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Often found alongside barlowite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄Br(OH)₆F
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Deep Blue Dark Green-blue
Streak: Light Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail size

Where rockhounds find barlowite

Classic worldwide localities

Barlow mine, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where barlowite typically forms. If you start seeing paratacamite, gypsum, atacamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barlowite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light blue. Common colors include deep blue, dark green-blue.

Where is barlowite found?+

Notable localities include Barlow mine, Chile.

How much is barlowite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is barlowite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or skin irritation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like barlowite?+

Barlowite is most often confused with Herbertsmithite, Paratacamite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with barlowite?+

Barlowite commonly co-occurs with Paratacamite, Gypsum, Atacamite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barlowite form in?+

Barlowite typically forms in oxidized copper ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barlowite used for?+

Barlowite is used in collector.

Find barlowite on the map

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