Beaverite-(Cu) is a rare lead-copper sulfate found in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It typically presents as inconspicuous, earthy yellow to brownish coatings or aggregates that require micro-analysis for definitive identification.
Is this beaverite-(cu)?
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 beaverite-(cu) with a known reference. Beaverite-(Cu) sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: earthy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, powdery, or as thin crusts.
Often confused with
Beaverite-(Cu) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads earthy on Beaverite-(Cu) and subadamantine to vitreous, resinous on fractures on Jarosite.
How to tell apart: Beaverite-(Cu) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 1.5-2); luster reads earthy on Beaverite-(Cu) and vitreous, silky to dull on Plumbojarosite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Beaverite-(Cu) leaves pale yellow, Beaverite-(Zn) leaves yellow ochre; luster reads earthy on Beaverite-(Cu) and vitreous to subadamantine on Beaverite-(Zn).
Often found alongside beaverite-(cu)
Minerals reported to co-occur with beaverite-(cu). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbCuFe₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, powdery, or as thin crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- oxidized zones of base-metal sulfide deposits
Where rockhounds find beaverite-(cu)
Classic worldwide localities
- Beaver County, Utah, USA
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Broken Hill, Australia
- Laurion, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: oxidized zones of base-metal sulfide deposits. If you start seeing anglesite, cerussite, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, powdery, or as thin crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify beaverite-(cu)?+
Where is beaverite-(cu) found?+
Is beaverite-(cu) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like beaverite-(cu)?+
What minerals are found with beaverite-(cu)?+
What kind of rock does beaverite-(cu) form in?+
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Find beaverite-(cu) on the map
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