Jacquesdietrichite is a rare copper borate mineral typically found as delicate, needle-like acicular crystals or radial sprays. It is predominantly known from the Cap Garonne mine in France, where it occurs as a secondary mineral in oxidized copper-rich zones of sedimentary host rocks.
Is this jacquesdietrichite?
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 jacquesdietrichite with a known reference. Jacquesdietrichite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jacquesdietrichite leaves a pale blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Jacquesdietrichite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, green-blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays, crusts.
Often confused with
Jacquesdietrichite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jacquesdietrichite leaves pale blue, Malachite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jacquesdietrichite leaves pale blue, Azurite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Jacquesdietrichite and vitreous to dull on Azurite.
Often found alongside jacquesdietrichite
Minerals reported to co-occur with jacquesdietrichite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₂(BO₃)(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Copper-bearing Sandstone
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find jacquesdietrichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cap Garonne mine, Var, France
Field-hunting tip
Look in copper-bearing sandstone country — that is the host setting where jacquesdietrichite typically forms. If you start seeing azurite, malachite, brochantite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find jacquesdietrichite on the map
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