Ramaccioniite is a rare copper selenate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018. It was first described from Mina San Pedro, Vinchina Department, La Rioja Province, Argentina.
Hardness
2-3
Mohs
Luster
Pearly
Transparency
Translucent
Is this ramaccioniite?
4-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 ramaccioniite with a known reference. Ramaccioniite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or globular aggregates.
Often confused with
Ramaccioniite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄[SeO₄](OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Colors
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, crusts, or globular aggregates
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- evaporite deposits
Where rockhounds find ramaccioniite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mina San Pedro, La Rioja Province, Argentina
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: evaporite deposits. If you start seeing northwest jagüé, vinchina department, la rioja province in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or globular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ramaccioniite?+
Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: pearly. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.
Where is ramaccioniite found?+
Notable localities include Mina San Pedro, La Rioja Province, Argentina.
Is ramaccioniite safe to handle?+
Ramaccioniite contains copper and selenium. Contains selenium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.
What rocks look like ramaccioniite?+
Ramaccioniite is most often confused with Gypsum, Anhydrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with ramaccioniite?+
Ramaccioniite commonly co-occurs with Northwest Jagüé, Vinchina Department, La Rioja Province, Argentina. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does ramaccioniite form in?+
Where it forms: evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is ramaccioniite used for?+
Ramaccioniite is used in collector.
Find ramaccioniite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
