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, so Kaliochalcite leaves yellowish, Brochantite leaves pale-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kaliochalcite leaves yellowish, Antlerite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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