Langite is a secondary copper sulfate mineral typically found as attractive sky-blue to blue-green crusts or small tabular crystals in oxidized copper deposits. It is frequently associated with other copper minerals and is best identified by its characteristic color and habit, often requiring careful examination to distinguish from similar species like brochantite.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommon

Langite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this langite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch langite with a known reference. Langite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Langite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Langite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

Langite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Brochantite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Langite leaves pale blue, Brochantite leaves pale-green.

Often found alongside langite

Minerals reported to co-occur with langite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄(SO₄)(OH)₆·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 3.48-3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Blue-green
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find langite

Classic worldwide localities

Cornwall, England
Brixlegg, Tyrol, Austria
Laurion, Greece
Chuquicamata, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where langite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, brochantite, devilline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify langite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue, blue-green.

Where is langite found?+

Notable localities include Cornwall, England; Brixlegg, Tyrol, Austria; Laurion, Greece; Chuquicamata, Chile.

How much is langite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is langite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper; avoid ingesting, inhaling dust, or skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like langite?+

Langite is most often confused with Brochantite, Posnjakite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with langite?+

Langite commonly co-occurs with Malachite, Brochantite, Devilline, Chrysocolla. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does langite form in?+

Langite typically forms in oxidized copper ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is langite used for?+

Langite is used in collector.

Find langite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.