Montetrisaite is a rare copper sulfate carbonate mineral primarily found in the oxidized zones of copper mines. It typically occurs as delicate, acicular blue crystal aggregates and is prized by micromount collectors for its distinctive color and association with other secondary copper minerals.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Montetrisaite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this montetrisaite?

4-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 montetrisaite with a known reference. Montetrisaite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic, striated.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside montetrisaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆(SO₄)(OH)₁₀·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.023 g/cm³
Colors: Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic, striated
Cleavage: Distinct on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral formed near oxidizing sulfide minerals

Where rockhounds find montetrisaite

Classic worldwide localities

Mining concesson Lombardo, near the Veneziana mine, Monte Trisa, Torrebelvicino, Vicenza, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral formed near oxidizing sulfide minerals. If you start seeing kaolinite, galena, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, striated. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify montetrisaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include blue.

Where is montetrisaite found?+

Notable localities include Mining concesson Lombardo, near the Veneziana mine, Monte Trisa, Torrebelvicino, Vicenza, Italy.

Is montetrisaite safe to handle?+

Montetrisaite contains copper. Contains copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like montetrisaite?+

Montetrisaite is most often confused with Devilline, Posnjakite, Brochantite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with montetrisaite?+

Montetrisaite commonly co-occurs with Kaolinite, Galena, Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite, Cerussite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does montetrisaite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral formed near oxidizing sulfide minerals. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is montetrisaite used for?+

Montetrisaite is used in collector.

Find montetrisaite on the map

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