Lindgrenite is a rare copper molybdate mineral typically found as small, thin, tabular crystals or crusts in oxidized copper deposits. It is best identified by its distinct yellowish-green color and pearly luster, often associated with other secondary copper minerals in arid, oxidized mining environments.
Is this lindgrenite?
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 lindgrenite with a known reference. Lindgrenite 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. Lindgrenite leaves a pale yellowish-green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lindgrenite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy, crusts.
Often confused with
Lindgrenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lindgrenite leaves pale yellowish-green, Malachite leaves light green; luster reads pearly on Lindgrenite and vitreous on Malachite.
How to tell apart: Lindgrenite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Lindgrenite leaves pale yellowish-green, Aurichalcite leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside lindgrenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lindgrenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.99 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellowish-green
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Platy, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenum-rich Hydrothermal Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail to small cabinet
Where rockhounds find lindgrenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenum-rich hydrothermal copper deposits country — that is the host setting where lindgrenite typically forms. If you start seeing molybdite, chrysocolla, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lindgrenite on the map
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