Bellingerite is an extremely rare copper iodate mineral found primarily in the arid, oxidized zones of Chilean copper mines. Collectors typically encounter it as tiny, brilliant yellow transparent crystals associated with other secondary copper minerals in porphyry copper deposits.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Bellingerite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this bellingerite?

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 bellingerite with a known reference. Bellingerite 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. Bellingerite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bellingerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: small prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Salesite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bellingerite leaves yellow, Salesite leaves white.

Often found alongside bellingerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃(IO₃)₆(OH)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.61 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Small Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find bellingerite

Classic worldwide localities

Chuquicamata Mine, Chile

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify bellingerite?+

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

Where is bellingerite found?+

Notable localities include Chuquicamata Mine, Chile.

How much is bellingerite worth?+

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

Is bellingerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and iodine; wash hands after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bellingerite?+

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

What minerals are found with bellingerite?+

Bellingerite commonly co-occurs with Atacamite, Chrysocolla, Salesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bellingerite form in?+

Bellingerite 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 bellingerite used for?+

Bellingerite is used in collector.

Find bellingerite on the map

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