Camérolaite is a very rare secondary copper sulfate-carbonate mineral typically occurring as fragile, pearly blue crusts or tiny platy aggregates. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of copper-rich sulfide deposits. Because of its rarity and delicate nature, it is highly sought after by advanced micromount and mineral species collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Camérolaite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this camérolaite?

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 camérolaite with a known reference. Camérolaite 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. Camérolaite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Camérolaite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Devilline

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Camérolaite and vitreous on Devilline.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Camérolaite and vitreous on Langite.

Compare →

Often found alongside camérolaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄Al₂(OH)₁₂(SO₄)(CO₃)·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Pale Blue
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Copper Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find camérolaite

Classic worldwide localities

Cap Garonne mine, France
Kamareza mine, Greece

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal copper deposits country, the host setting where camérolaite typically forms. If you start seeing brochantite, garnierite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify camérolaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue, pale blue.

Where is camérolaite found?+

Notable localities include Cap Garonne mine, France; Kamareza mine, Greece.

How much is camérolaite 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 camérolaite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like camérolaite?+

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

What minerals are found with camérolaite?+

Camérolaite commonly co-occurs with Brochantite, Garnierite, Malachite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does camérolaite form in?+

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

What is camérolaite used for?+

Camérolaite is used in collector.

Find camérolaite on the map

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