Mrázekite is a highly sought-after secondary copper-bismuth phosphate mineral known for its intense deep blue color and distinctive thin, platy crystals. It typically forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits where bismuth is present, often appearing as delicate rosettes or sprays on matrix.
Is this mrázekite?
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 mrázekite with a known reference. Mrázekite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mrázekite leaves a light blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mrázekite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: deep blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: thin platy to acicular crystals, often as radial sprays or crusts.
Often confused with
Mrázekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Veszelyite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Mrázekite leaves light blue, Veszelyite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mrázekite leaves light blue, Liroconite leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside mrázekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mrázekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₂Cu₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 4.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Thin Platy to Acicular Crystals, Often as Radial Sprays or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Bismuth-copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail, $300-1500+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find mrázekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Libethen Mine, Lubietová, Slovakia
- Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mexico
- Deep Ecton Mine, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal bismuth-copper deposits country — that is the host setting where mrázekite typically forms. If you start seeing chrysocolla, malachite, libethenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a thin platy to acicular crystals, often as radial sprays or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mrázekite on the map
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