Liroconite is a highly sought-after secondary copper mineral, famous for its intense sky-blue to deep green color and distinctively flattened, wedge-shaped crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of copper-arsenic deposits, historically reaching its finest aesthetic development in the mines of Cornwall, England.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Liroconite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this liroconite?

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 liroconite with a known reference. Liroconite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Liroconite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Liroconite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: sky-blue, verdigris-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals with wedge-shaped edges.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chalcophyllite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Liroconite leaves pale blue, Chalcophyllite leaves pale green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Liroconite leaves pale blue, Clinoclase leaves bluish-green.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Liroconite and pearly on Aurichalcite.

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Often found alongside liroconite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂Al(AsO₄)(OH)₄·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 2.9-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Sky-blue Verdigris-green
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals with Wedge-shaped Edges
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Copper-arsenic Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail, $500-3000+ high-quality cabinet

Where rockhounds find liroconite

Classic worldwide localities

Wheal Gorland, Cornwall, England
Majuba Hill, Nevada, USA
Copiapó, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of copper-arsenic hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where liroconite typically forms. If you start seeing olivenite, clinoclase, cuprite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals with wedge-shaped edges habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liroconite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include sky-blue, verdigris-green.

Where is liroconite found?+

Notable localities include Wheal Gorland, Cornwall, England; Majuba Hill, Nevada, USA; Copiapó, Chile.

How much is liroconite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail, $500-3000+ high-quality cabinet. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is liroconite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like liroconite?+

Liroconite is most often confused with Chalcophyllite, Clinoclase, Aurichalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with liroconite?+

Liroconite commonly co-occurs with Olivenite, Clinoclase, Cuprite, Limonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liroconite form in?+

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

What is liroconite used for?+

Liroconite is used in collector.

Find liroconite on the map

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