Buttgenbachite is a rare copper nitrate mineral typically occurring as striking deep-blue, acicular, or fibrous crystal sprays. It is closely related to connellite and is primarily found in the oxidized zones of copper-rich ore deposits, often forming crusts or tufts on matrix.
Is this buttgenbachite?
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 buttgenbachite with a known reference. Buttgenbachite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Buttgenbachite leaves a pale blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Buttgenbachite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, deep blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystals, often as radial sprays or crusts.
Often confused with
Buttgenbachite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Buttgenbachite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Buttgenbachite and pearly on Aurichalcite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Buttgenbachite leaves pale blue, Clinoatacamite leaves apple green.
Often found alongside buttgenbachite
Minerals reported to co-occur with buttgenbachite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₁₉Cl₄(NO₃)₂(OH)₃₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Crystals, Often as Radial Sprays or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {10-10}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find buttgenbachite
Classic worldwide localities
- Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper deposits country, the host setting where buttgenbachite typically forms. If you start seeing connellite, malachite, cuprite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous crystals, often as radial sprays or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find buttgenbachite on the map
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