Bluelizardite is a rare copper sulfate mineral characterized by its delicate blue, prismatic crystals. It is primarily found as crusts or small crystal sprays within sedimentary rocks and was named after its type locality at the Blue Lizard Mine.

Hardness
2
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent

Is this bluelizardite?

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 bluelizardite with a known reference. Bluelizardite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bluelizardite leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bluelizardite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: blue, light blue.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bluelizardite

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

All properties

Chemical formula
Na₂Cu(SO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness
2
Density
2.12 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic
Crystal habit
Prismatic Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage
Perfect
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Sedimentary
Typical price
$50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bluelizardite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Blue Lizard Mine, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary country — that is the host setting where bluelizardite typically forms. If you start seeing brochantite, gypsum, pickeringite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bluelizardite?+
Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, light blue.
Where is bluelizardite found?+
Notable localities include Blue Lizard Mine, Utah, USA.
How much is bluelizardite worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
Is bluelizardite safe to handle?+
It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.
What rocks look like bluelizardite?+
Bluelizardite is most often confused with Chalcanthite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with bluelizardite?+
Bluelizardite commonly co-occurs with brochantite, gypsum, pickeringite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does bluelizardite form in?+
Bluelizardite typically forms in sedimentary. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is bluelizardite used for?+
Bluelizardite is used in collector.

Find bluelizardite on the map

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

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