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 4.5, 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: greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy.
Often confused with
Lindgrenite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lindgrenite leaves light green, Malachite leaves pale green; luster reads greasy on Lindgrenite and adamantine to vitreous; silky if fibrous; dull to earthy if massive on Malachite.
How to tell apart: Lindgrenite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 1-2); luster reads greasy on Lindgrenite and silky to pearly on Aurichalcite.
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
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.20 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light green
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy
- Cleavage
- {010}, perfect; {101} and {100}, very poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- An uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of molybdenum-bearing copper deposits
Where rockhounds find lindgrenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lodi No. 4 mine, Spring Creek district, Plumas Co., California, USA
- Live Oak pit, Inspiration mine, Globe-Miami district, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
- Cave Creek district, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA
- Esperanza mine, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
- Chuquicamata, Antofagasta, Chile
- San Samuel mine, Carrara Pinto, and in the Jardinera No. 1 mine, five km east of Inca de Oro, Atacama, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of molybdenum-bearing copper deposits. If you start seeing antlerite, molybdenite, powellite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy. 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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