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 — 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 — 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 — that is 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
How do you identify claringbullite?+
Where is claringbullite found?+
How much is claringbullite worth?+
Is claringbullite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like claringbullite?+
What minerals are found with claringbullite?+
What kind of rock does claringbullite form in?+
What is claringbullite used for?+
Find claringbullite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
