Linarite is a striking deep-blue secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of lead-copper deposits. It is best identified by its intense azure color and characteristic tabular or prismatic crystal habits often found associated with anglesite or cerussite.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommon

Linarite

Also: cupreous anglesite

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

Is this linarite?

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 linarite with a known reference. Linarite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Linarite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Linarite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep blue, azure blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, prismatic, encrusting, or massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Azurite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Azurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Linarite leaves pale blue, Azurite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Linarite and vitreous to dull on Azurite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Linarite leaves pale blue, Caledonite leaves blue-white.

Compare →

Often found alongside linarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCuSO₄(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 5.3-5.45 g/cm³
Colors: Deep Blue Azure Blue
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Prismatic, Encrusting, Or Massive
Cleavage: Perfect On {101}
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-copper Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens, higher for large crystallized plates

Where rockhounds find linarite

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Linares, Spain
Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA
Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-copper ore deposits country, the host setting where linarite typically forms. If you start seeing anglesite, cerussite, brochantite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, prismatic, encrusting, or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in New Mexico. Start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for linarite →

Common questions

How do you identify linarite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include deep blue, azure blue.

Where is linarite found?+

Notable localities include Linares, Spain; Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA; Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia; Tsumeb, Namibia.

Can I find linarite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 linarite rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states. The top states are New Mexico.

How much is linarite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for small specimens, higher for large crystallized plates. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is linarite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like linarite?+

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

What minerals are found with linarite?+

Linarite commonly co-occurs with Anglesite, Cerussite, Brochantite, Malachite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does linarite form in?+

Linarite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-copper ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is linarite used for?+

Linarite is used in collector.

Find linarite on the map

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