Juangodoyite is a rare copper sodium carbonate mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals or aggregates and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare species.
Is this juangodoyite?
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 juangodoyite with a known reference. Juangodoyite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Juangodoyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Juangodoyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Juangodoyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Malachite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Juangodoyite leaves white, Malachite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Azurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Juangodoyite leaves white, Azurite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Juangodoyite and vitreous to dull on Azurite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Juangodoyite and pearly on Mcguinnessite.
Often found alongside juangodoyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with juangodoyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Cu(CO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find juangodoyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Juangodoy mine, Calama, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where juangodoyite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, azurite, atacamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find juangodoyite on the map
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