Cloncurryite is a rare copper-zinc arsenate mineral that typically occurs as vibrant blue, radial acicular sprays within oxidized copper ore. Collectors usually find it as microscopic to thumbnail-sized crusts or fans, often coating or associated with gossan minerals. It is best identified through its distinct color and the specific geochemical environment of the Queensland mining districts where it was first described.
Is this cloncurryite?
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 cloncurryite with a known reference. Cloncurryite 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. Cloncurryite leaves a light blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cloncurryite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, greenish-blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular clusters, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Cloncurryite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cloncurryite leaves light blue, Cornwallite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cloncurryite leaves light blue, Clinoclase leaves bluish-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cloncurryite leaves light blue, Lavendulan leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside cloncurryite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cloncurryite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Cu,Zn)₃(AsO₄)(OH,Cl)₃·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Clusters, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper-arsenic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find cloncurryite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cloncurry, Queensland, Australia
- Great Australia Mine, Queensland
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper-arsenic ore deposits country — that is the host setting where cloncurryite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, goethite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular clusters, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find cloncurryite on the map
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