Clinochalcomenite is a rare secondary copper selenate mineral that typically forms as a dehydration product in selenium-rich mineral deposits. It is often found in the oxidation zones of ore bodies alongside other selenides and is valued by micromount and rare mineral collectors.
Is this clinochalcomenite?
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 clinochalcomenite with a known reference. Clinochalcomenite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bluish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Clinochalcomenite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside clinochalcomenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinochalcomenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuSeO₃·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.28 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A very rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a uranium deposit in brecciated carbonaceous slate (China); in a hydrothermal selenium vein deposit (El Dragón mine, Bolivia)
Where rockhounds find clinochalcomenite
Classic worldwide localities
- An undisclosed locality in Gansu Province, China
- El Dragón mine, 30 km southwest of Cerro Rico de Potosí, Potosí, Bolivia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A very rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a uranium deposit in brecciated carbonaceous slate (China); in a hydrothermal selenium vein deposit (El Dragón mine, Bolivia). If you start seeing volborthite, chalcomenite, umangite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinochalcomenite?+
Where is clinochalcomenite found?+
Is clinochalcomenite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like clinochalcomenite?+
What minerals are found with clinochalcomenite?+
What kind of rock does clinochalcomenite form in?+
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Find clinochalcomenite on the map
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