Domerockite is a rare arsenate mineral found as small, distinct tabular crystals within oxidized zones of zinc-copper deposits. It is primarily a collector's mineral prized for its rarity and crystal structure, usually originating from the Ojuela Mine in Mexico.
Is this domerockite?
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 domerockite with a known reference. Domerockite 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: pale green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bluish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Domerockite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Legrandite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. ~3); streak differs, so Domerockite leaves pale green, Legrandite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Domerockite leaves pale green, Adamite leaves white.
Often found alongside domerockite
Minerals reported to co-occur with domerockite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄(AsO₄)(AsO₃OH)(OH)₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 4.44 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in a weathered Cu As sulfide deposit
Where rockhounds find domerockite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dome Rock Mine, Bush Heritage reserve, 42 km north of Mingary railway siding and ~470 km northeast of Adelaide, South Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in a weathered Cu As sulfide deposit. If you start seeing cobaltaustinite, agardite-, arseniosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify domerockite?+
Where is domerockite found?+
Is domerockite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like domerockite?+
What minerals are found with domerockite?+
What kind of rock does domerockite form in?+
What is domerockite used for?+
Find domerockite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
