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, so 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, so 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, 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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