Carbonatecyanotrichite is a rare secondary copper mineral that typically forms delicate, needle-like crystals or soft, velvety mats. It is often visually indistinguishable from cyanotrichite without chemical analysis, occurring primarily in the oxidation zones of copper-rich hydrothermal ore bodies.
Is this carbonatecyanotrichite?
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 carbonatecyanotrichite with a known reference. Carbonatecyanotrichite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carbonatecyanotrichite leaves a pale blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Carbonatecyanotrichite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, sky-blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, tufted, radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Carbonatecyanotrichite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside carbonatecyanotrichite
Minerals reported to co-occur with carbonatecyanotrichite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄Al₂(CO₃)(OH)₁₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Tufted, Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find carbonatecyanotrichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Grand Reef mine, Arizona, USA
- Lavrion District, Greece
- Chessy, France
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper deposits country — that is the host setting where carbonatecyanotrichite typically forms. If you start seeing cyanotrichite, azurite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, tufted, radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify carbonatecyanotrichite?+
Where is carbonatecyanotrichite found?+
How much is carbonatecyanotrichite worth?+
Is carbonatecyanotrichite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like carbonatecyanotrichite?+
What minerals are found with carbonatecyanotrichite?+
What kind of rock does carbonatecyanotrichite form in?+
What is carbonatecyanotrichite used for?+
Find carbonatecyanotrichite on the map
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