Paratacamite is a secondary copper mineral that typically forms as a crust or crystalline coating within oxidized zones of copper-rich hydrothermal deposits. It is often visually indistinguishable from atacamite without analytical testing and is prized by mineral collectors for its vibrant, rich green colors.
Is this paratacamite?
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 paratacamite with a known reference. Paratacamite 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. Paratacamite leaves a apple green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paratacamite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, bright green, emerald green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, crystalline aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Paratacamite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Paratacamite and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratacamite leaves apple green, Botallackite leaves pale green; luster reads adamantine on Paratacamite and vitreous on Botallackite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratacamite leaves apple green, Malachite leaves light green; luster reads adamantine on Paratacamite and vitreous on Malachite.
Often found alongside paratacamite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paratacamite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(OH)₃Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- Apple Green
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Crystalline Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $15-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paratacamite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chile
- United States
- Mexico
- Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper deposits country — that is the host setting where paratacamite typically forms. If you start seeing atacamite, chrysocolla, brochantite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, crystalline aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paratacamite?+
Where is paratacamite found?+
How much is paratacamite worth?+
Is paratacamite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like paratacamite?+
What minerals are found with paratacamite?+
What kind of rock does paratacamite form in?+
What is paratacamite used for?+
Find paratacamite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
