Markascherite is a rare copper molybdate that forms green bladed crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2010. It was first described from the south glory hole of the Childs Aldwinkle mine, Pinal County, Arizona, USA.
Is this markascherite?
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 markascherite with a known reference. Markascherite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: subadamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals.
Often confused with
Markascherite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Markascherite leaves green, Scheelite leaves white; luster reads subadamantine on Markascherite and vitreous to adamantine on Scheelite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Markascherite leaves green, Wolframite leaves reddish brown; luster reads subadamantine on Markascherite and submetallic on Wolframite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Markascherite leaves green, Cuprotungstite leaves greenish gray to greenish yellow; luster reads subadamantine on Markascherite and vitreous, waxy, earthy on Cuprotungstite.
Often found alongside markascherite
Minerals reported to co-occur with markascherite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(MoO₄)(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.216 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Green
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral formed by weathering of a mineralized (molybdenite, bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite) breccia pipe
Where rockhounds find markascherite
Classic worldwide localities
- Calico District, California, USA
- Guanajuato, Mexico
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral formed by weathering of a mineralized (molybdenite, bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite) breccia pipe. If you start seeing brochantite, antlerite, lindgrenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: bladed crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify markascherite?+
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Is markascherite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like markascherite?+
What minerals are found with markascherite?+
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Find markascherite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
