Moolooite is a rare copper oxalate mineral typically found as a secondary crust or powder on copper-rich rocks exposed to organic acids. It is famously associated with bird excrement weathering onto copper deposits, making it a unique mineralogical curiosity for advanced collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

Light Blue

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Moolooite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Dull
Streak: Light Blue
Transparency: Opaque

Is this moolooite?

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 moolooite with a known reference. Moolooite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Moolooite leaves a light blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Moolooite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: crusts, powder, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Azurite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Azurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); luster reads dull on Moolooite and vitreous to dull on Azurite.

How to tell apart: Malachite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); streak differs, so Moolooite leaves light blue, Malachite leaves light green; luster reads dull on Moolooite and vitreous on Malachite.

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Often found alongside moolooite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuC₂O₄·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Green
Streak: Light Blue
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Crusts, Powder, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Weathered Copper Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find moolooite

Classic worldwide localities

Mooloo Downs Station, Western Australia
Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in weathered copper deposits country, the host setting where moolooite typically forms. If you start seeing whewellite, weddellite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, powder, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify moolooite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is light blue. Common colors include blue, green.

Where is moolooite found?+

Notable localities include Mooloo Downs Station, Western Australia; Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

How much is moolooite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is moolooite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and oxalate; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like moolooite?+

Moolooite is most often confused with Azurite, Malachite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with moolooite?+

Moolooite commonly co-occurs with Whewellite, Weddellite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does moolooite form in?+

Moolooite typically forms in weathered copper deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is moolooite used for?+

Moolooite is used in collector.

Find moolooite on the map

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