Olivenite is a secondary copper arsenate mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It is highly valued by collectors for its vibrant olive-green color and sharp, prismatic crystals, though it is also commonly found in attractive botryoidal or fibrous habits known as 'wood copper'.
Is this olivenite?
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 olivenite with a known reference. Olivenite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Olivenite leaves a olive-green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Olivenite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: olive-green, yellow-green, brown, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, globular, botryoidal, fibrous.
Often confused with
Olivenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Adelite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3); streak differs — Olivenite leaves olive-green, Adelite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Olivenite and vitreous on Adelite.
How to tell apart: Austinite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 3); streak differs — Olivenite leaves olive-green, Austinite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Olivenite and vitreous on Austinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Olivenite leaves olive-green, Clinoclase leaves bluish-green; luster reads adamantine on Olivenite and vitreous on Clinoclase.
Often found alongside olivenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with olivenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₂AsO₄OH
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.1-4.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Olive-green
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Globular, Botryoidal, Fibrous
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Mineral Specimens
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper-arsenic Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on crystal size and clarity
Where rockhounds find olivenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cornwall, England
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Majuba Hill, USA
- Chile
- Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper-arsenic deposits country — that is the host setting where olivenite typically forms. If you start seeing conichalcite, clinoclase, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, globular, botryoidal, fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find olivenite on the map
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