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 — 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 — 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 — that is 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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