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.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Clinochalcomenite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Transparent

Is this clinochalcomenite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch clinochalcomenite with a known reference. Clinochalcomenite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clinochalcomenite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Clinochalcomenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: 2-3
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Blue-green
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find clinochalcomenite

Classic worldwide localities

Sierra de Cacheuta, Argentina
Pacajake Mine, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where clinochalcomenite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcomenite, athabascaite, umangite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify clinochalcomenite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue, blue-green.

Where is clinochalcomenite found?+

Notable localities include Sierra de Cacheuta, Argentina; Pacajake Mine, Bolivia.

How much is clinochalcomenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is clinochalcomenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium, which is toxic; avoid inhaling dust or handling with bare hands without washing thoroughly. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like clinochalcomenite?+

Clinochalcomenite is most often confused with Chalcomenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with clinochalcomenite?+

Clinochalcomenite commonly co-occurs with Chalcomenite, Athabascaite, Umangite, Clausthalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does clinochalcomenite form in?+

Clinochalcomenite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is clinochalcomenite used for?+

Clinochalcomenite is used in collector.

Find clinochalcomenite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.