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, 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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