Lemanskiite is a very rare secondary arsenate mineral found in the oxidation zones of arsenic-rich copper deposits. Collectors typically search for its small, distinct, pseudo-tetragonal crystals often associated with other copper minerals.
Is this lemanskiite?
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 lemanskiite with a known reference. Lemanskiite 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. Lemanskiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lemanskiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: equant to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Lemanskiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lemanskiite leaves white, Euchroite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lemanskiite leaves white, Olivenite leaves olive-green; luster reads vitreous on Lemanskiite and adamantine on Olivenite.
Often found alongside lemanskiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lemanskiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCaCu₅(AsO₄)₄Cl·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Copper-arsenic Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for rare specimens
Where rockhounds find lemanskiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cap Garonne mine, France
- Torrecillas mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal copper-arsenic deposits country — that is the host setting where lemanskiite typically forms. If you start seeing anglesite, cerussite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lemanskiite on the map
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