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, 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.