Orthoserpierite is an extremely rare copper sulfate mineral that occurs as a secondary phase in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It is structurally very similar to serpierite, forming delicate, sky-blue lath-like crystals or crusts that are highly prized by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this orthoserpierite?
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 orthoserpierite with a known reference. Orthoserpierite 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. Orthoserpierite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Orthoserpierite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, pale blue, greenish blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, lath-like, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Orthoserpierite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Orthoserpierite leaves white, Devilline leaves pale blue; luster reads pearly on Orthoserpierite and vitreous on Devilline.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Orthoserpierite leaves white, Langite leaves pale blue; luster reads pearly on Orthoserpierite and vitreous on Langite.
Often found alongside orthoserpierite
Minerals reported to co-occur with orthoserpierite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCu₄(SO₄)₂(OH)₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Lath-like, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro-mount to miniature specimens
Where rockhounds find orthoserpierite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lavrion District, Greece
- Broken Hill, Australia
- Schneeberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal base metal deposits country — that is the host setting where orthoserpierite typically forms. If you start seeing smithsonite, azurite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, lath-like, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify orthoserpierite?+
Where is orthoserpierite found?+
How much is orthoserpierite worth?+
Is orthoserpierite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like orthoserpierite?+
What minerals are found with orthoserpierite?+
What kind of rock does orthoserpierite form in?+
What is orthoserpierite used for?+
Find orthoserpierite on the map
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