Leogangite is a rare copper arsenate sulfate that typically appears as vibrant, light green fibrous or acicular crystals. It is most commonly found in specimens from the Leogang mining district in Austria, often occurring as crusts or tufts in association with other copper minerals in altered ore deposits.
Is this leogangite?
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 leogangite with a known reference. Leogangite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, bluish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, platy.
Often confused with
Leogangite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside leogangite
Minerals reported to co-occur with leogangite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₁₀(AsO₄)₄(SO₄)(OH)₆·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, platy
- Cleavage
- Perfect (100)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral coating limonitic dolostone breccia and filling voids in the oxidized zone of a pyrite, galena, tennantite deposit
Where rockhounds find leogangite
Classic worldwide localities
- Found on one dump in both the Danielstollen and Inschlagalm mining areas, Schwarzleo Valley, about 10 km from Leogang, Salzburg Province, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral coating limonitic dolostone breccia and filling voids in the oxidized zone of a pyrite, galena, tennantite deposit. If you start seeing olivenite, malachite, tyrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify leogangite?+
Where is leogangite found?+
Is leogangite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like leogangite?+
What minerals are found with leogangite?+
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Find leogangite on the map
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