Mendozavilite-NaCu is an extremely rare secondary molybdate mineral typically found as earthy crusts or powdery coatings in oxidized ore deposits. It is best identified by its association with other molybdenum minerals in arid environments, though positive identification usually requires powder X-ray diffraction analysis.
Is this mendozavilite-nacu?
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 mendozavilite-nacu with a known reference. Mendozavilite-NaCu sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mendozavilite-NaCu leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mendozavilite-NaCu typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: powdery, earthy, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Mendozavilite-NaCu vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside mendozavilite-nacu
Minerals reported to co-occur with mendozavilite-nacu. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆Cu₂(Mo₈P₂O₃₄)(H₂O)₂₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Powdery, Earthy, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenum-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find mendozavilite-nacu
Classic worldwide localities
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Chuquicamata, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenum-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where mendozavilite-nacu typically forms. If you start seeing molybdite, jarosite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery, earthy, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mendozavilite-nacu?+
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What rocks look like mendozavilite-nacu?+
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Find mendozavilite-nacu on the map
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