Reichenbachite is a rare copper phosphate mineral that is a polymorph of pseudomalachite. It is most often identified by its dark green, botryoidal crusts found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits.
Is this reichenbachite?
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 reichenbachite with a known reference. Reichenbachite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Reichenbachite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Reichenbachite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, blackish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: botryoidal, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Reichenbachite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside reichenbachite
Minerals reported to co-occur with reichenbachite. 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
- Density
- 4.3-4.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Copper-phosphate Veins
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find reichenbachite
Classic worldwide localities
- Reichenbach, Germany
- Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Katanga, DR Congo
- Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal copper-phosphate veins country — that is the host setting where reichenbachite typically forms. If you start seeing pseudomalachite, ludjibaite, pyromorphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find reichenbachite on the map
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