Hermannjahnite is a rare copper-zinc sulfate mineral identified primarily from oxidized ore deposits in Chile. It usually presents as tiny, deep green, equant crystals forming crusts on host rock and is sought after by advanced mineral collectors.
Is this hermannjahnite?
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 hermannjahnite with a known reference. Hermannjahnite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hermannjahnite leaves a greenish-gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hermannjahnite typically shows a sub-metallic to vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: deep green, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant to subhedral crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Hermannjahnite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Hermannjahnite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5); streak differs — Hermannjahnite leaves greenish-gray, Antlerite leaves light green; luster reads sub-metallic to vitreous on Hermannjahnite and vitreous on Antlerite.
How to tell apart: Hermannjahnite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs — Hermannjahnite leaves greenish-gray, Brochantite leaves pale-green; luster reads sub-metallic to vitreous on Hermannjahnite and vitreous on Brochantite.
How to tell apart: Hermannjahnite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs — Hermannjahnite leaves greenish-gray, Langite leaves pale blue; luster reads sub-metallic to vitreous on Hermannjahnite and vitreous on Langite.
Often found alongside hermannjahnite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hermannjahnite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuZnSO₄(OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.8-4.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Greenish-gray
- Luster
- Sub-metallic to Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Subhedral Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper-zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hermannjahnite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where hermannjahnite typically forms. If you start seeing antlerite, brochantite, chalcanthite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to subhedral crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hermannjahnite on the map
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