Birchite is a very rare secondary cadmium copper sulfate mineral found in oxidized base metal deposits. It typically occurs as tiny, thin tabular crystals associated with lead and copper minerals in arid climates. Due to its scarcity and delicate nature, it is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Birchite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this birchite?

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 birchite with a known reference. Birchite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Birchite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Birchite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Serpierite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Birchite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Birchite and pearly on Serpierite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Birchite leaves white, Posnjakite leaves pale blue.

Compare →

Often found alongside birchite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cd₂Cu₂(SO₄)(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.16 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc-copper Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find birchite

Classic worldwide localities

Red Cloud Mine, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc-copper deposits country — that is the host setting where birchite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, anglesite, wulfenite 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 birchite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is birchite found?+

Notable localities include Red Cloud Mine, Arizona, USA.

How much is birchite worth?+

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

Is birchite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains cadmium and copper, both of which are heavy metals; avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like birchite?+

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

What minerals are found with birchite?+

Birchite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Anglesite, Wulfenite, Plumbogummite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does birchite form in?+

Birchite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc-copper deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is birchite used for?+

Birchite is used in collector.

Find birchite on the map

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