Pseudomalachite is a secondary copper phosphate mineral known for its distinctive dark green botryoidal and radiating fibrous crusts. It is visually similar to malachite but can be distinguished by its slightly harder nature and distinct occurrence in phosphate-bearing copper deposits.
Is this pseudomalachite?
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 pseudomalachite with a known reference. Pseudomalachite sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pseudomalachite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pseudomalachite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, emerald green, blackish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: botryoidal, reniform, crusts, or radiating fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Pseudomalachite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pseudomalachite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pseudomalachite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₅(PO₄)₂(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 4.3-4.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, Reniform, Crusts, Or Radiating Fibrous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct in One Direction
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $15-150 thumbnail, $50-400 cabinet
Where rockhounds find pseudomalachite
Classic worldwide localities
- Libethen, Slovakia
- Cornwall, England
- Katanga Province, DR Congo
- Laurion, Greece
- Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where pseudomalachite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, pyromorphite, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, reniform, crusts, or radiating fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pseudomalachite on the map
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