Cupromolybdite is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of copper-molybdenum deposits. Collectors should look for vibrant green, tabular crystals or crusts often associated with other copper molybdates like lindgrenite.
Is this cupromolybdite?
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 cupromolybdite with a known reference. Cupromolybdite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cupromolybdite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cupromolybdite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, massive.
Often confused with
Cupromolybdite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cupromolybdite leaves pale green, Lindgrenite leaves pale yellowish-green; luster reads vitreous on Cupromolybdite and pearly on Lindgrenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cupromolybdite leaves pale green, Atacamite leaves apple green; luster reads vitreous on Cupromolybdite and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.
Often found alongside cupromolybdite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cupromolybdite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(MoO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 4.41 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper-molybdenum Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find cupromolybdite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata Mine, Chile
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper-molybdenum deposits country — that is the host setting where cupromolybdite typically forms. If you start seeing lindgrenite, chrysocolla, molybdenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cupromolybdite?+
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What rocks look like cupromolybdite?+
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Find cupromolybdite on the map
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