Paratacamite-(Mg) is a rare copper hydroxychloride mineral typically found as a secondary mineral in oxidized zones of copper-rich hydrothermal deposits. It often appears as small, deep green rhombohedral crystals or as earthy coatings on other minerals like atacamite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareParatacamite Group family

Paratacamite-(Mg)

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Green
Transparency: Translucent

Is this paratacamite-(mg)?

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 paratacamite-(mg) with a known reference. Paratacamite-(Mg) sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paratacamite-(Mg) leaves a light green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paratacamite-(Mg) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, dark green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, crusts, massive.

Often confused with

Paratacamite-(Mg) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Atacamite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratacamite-(Mg) leaves light green, Atacamite leaves apple green; luster reads vitreous on Paratacamite-(Mg) and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratacamite-(Mg) leaves light green, Botallackite leaves pale green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratacamite-(Mg) leaves light green, Clinoatacamite leaves apple green.

Compare →

Often found alongside paratacamite-(mg)

Minerals reported to co-occur with paratacamite-(mg). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃Mg(OH)₆Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Green Dark Green
Streak: Light Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals, Crusts, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper Deposits
Typical price: $20-200 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find paratacamite-(mg)

Classic worldwide localities

Chile
Mexico
Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper deposits country — that is the host setting where paratacamite-(mg) typically forms. If you start seeing atacamite, cuprite, chrysocolla in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, crusts, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paratacamite-(mg)?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light green. Common colors include green, dark green.

Where is paratacamite-(mg) found?+

Notable localities include Chile; Mexico; Italy.

How much is paratacamite-(mg) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paratacamite-(mg) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and chlorine; wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or skin irritation, especially when handling powdery specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paratacamite-(mg)?+

Paratacamite-(Mg) is most often confused with Atacamite, Botallackite, Clinoatacamite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paratacamite-(mg)?+

Paratacamite-(Mg) commonly co-occurs with Atacamite, Cuprite, Chrysocolla, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paratacamite-(mg) form in?+

Paratacamite-(Mg) typically forms in oxidized copper deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paratacamite-(mg) used for?+

Paratacamite-(Mg) is used in collector.

Find paratacamite-(mg) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.