Kaliochalcite is a rare, secondary sulfate mineral found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. It typically forms as vibrant yellow-green or emerald-green crystalline crusts or small, distinct tabular crystals often mistaken for more common copper sulfates.
Is this kaliochalcite?
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 kaliochalcite with a known reference. Kaliochalcite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kaliochalcite leaves a yellowish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kaliochalcite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green, emerald-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, drusy coatings, micro-crystalline crusts.
Often confused with
Kaliochalcite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kaliochalcite leaves yellowish, Brochantite leaves pale-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kaliochalcite leaves yellowish, Antlerite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kaliochalcite leaves yellowish, Langite leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside kaliochalcite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kaliochalcite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KCu₄(SO₄)₂(OH)₅·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Drusy Coatings, Micro-crystalline Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 micro-mounts to small specimens
Where rockhounds find kaliochalcite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper deposits country — that is the host setting where kaliochalcite typically forms. If you start seeing brochantite, gypsum, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, drusy coatings, micro-crystalline crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kaliochalcite on the map
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