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. Dolerophanite leaves a light red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dolerophanite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish red.
- 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 — Dolerophanite leaves light red, Tenorite leaves black; luster reads adamantine on Dolerophanite and metallic on Tenorite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Dolerophanite leaves light red, Chalcanthite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Dolerophanite and vitreous 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
- 4.12 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Red
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find dolerophanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vesuvius, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic fumaroles country — that is the host setting where dolerophanite typically forms. If you start seeing tenorite, euchroite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so 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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