Claringbullite is a rare copper hydroxychloride typically found as thin, bright blue hexagonal plates or micaceous clusters. It forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, often occurring as a secondary mineral on weathered rocks. Collectors prize it for its vibrant color and distinct crystal habit, which stands out against matrix minerals like malachite or cuprite.
Is this claringbullite?
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 claringbullite with a known reference. Claringbullite 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. Claringbullite leaves a pale blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Claringbullite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, bluish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal plates, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Claringbullite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Claringbullite leaves pale blue, Atacamite leaves apple green; luster reads vitreous on Claringbullite and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Claringbullite leaves pale blue, Paratacamite leaves apple green; luster reads vitreous on Claringbullite and adamantine on Paratacamite.
Often found alongside claringbullite
Minerals reported to co-occur with claringbullite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄Cl(OH)₇·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Hexagonal Plates, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find claringbullite
Classic worldwide localities
- Gunheath China Clay Pit, Cornwall, England
- Centenillo Mine, Spain
- Copper Queen Mine, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper deposits country, the host setting where claringbullite typically forms. If you start seeing atacamite, connellite, cuprite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal plates, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find claringbullite on the map
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