Dolerophanite is a rare copper sulfate mineral typically found as small, deep-red tabular crystals in volcanic fumaroles. It was first described from the Vesuvius volcano in Italy, where it forms through the reaction of volcanic gases with existing copper minerals.
Is this dolerophanite?
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 dolerophanite with a known reference. Dolerophanite 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. Streak: yellowish brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Dolerophanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Dolerophanite leaves yellowish brown, Tenorite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Dolerophanite and metallic on Tenorite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Dolerophanite leaves yellowish brown, Chalcanthite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Dolerophanite and vitreous to resinous on Chalcanthite.
Often found alongside dolerophanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dolerophanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₂OSO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.17 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Translucent to opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {101}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare volcanic sublimate
Where rockhounds find dolerophanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vesuvius, Campania, Italy
- Tolbachik fissure volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare volcanic sublimate. If you start seeing chalcocyanite, euchlorine, eriochalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dolerophanite on the map
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