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 — Moolooite leaves light blue, Malachite leaves light green; luster reads dull on Moolooite and vitreous on Malachite.

Compare →

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 — that is 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.