Glaukosphaerite is a rare nickel-copper carbonate that typically forms as small, earthy, or botryoidal crusts. It is most often found in the weathered zones of copper-nickel deposits where it is closely associated with secondary malachite.
Is this glaukosphaerite?
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 glaukosphaerite with a known reference. Glaukosphaerite 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. Glaukosphaerite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Glaukosphaerite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, dark green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: botryoidal, crusts, massive.
Often confused with
Glaukosphaerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Glaukosphaerite and vitreous on Malachite.
How to tell apart: Rosasite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 3); streak differs, so Glaukosphaerite leaves light green, Rosasite leaves light blue; luster reads dull on Glaukosphaerite and pearly on Rosasite.
How to tell apart: Glaukosphaerite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Glaukosphaerite leaves light green, Aurichalcite leaves pale blue; luster reads dull on Glaukosphaerite and pearly on Aurichalcite.
Often found alongside glaukosphaerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with glaukosphaerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Cu,Ni)₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, Crusts, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Nickel-bearing Hydrothermal Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find glaukosphaerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kambalda, Australia
- Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Laurion, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of nickel-bearing hydrothermal copper deposits country, the host setting where glaukosphaerite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, azurite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, crusts, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find glaukosphaerite on the map
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