Richelsdorfite is a rare copper-calcium-antimony arsenate mineral that forms as a secondary product in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant blue to bluish-green bladed or radial crystal clusters typically found in small vugs.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Richelsdorfite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this richelsdorfite?

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 richelsdorfite with a known reference. Richelsdorfite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Richelsdorfite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Richelsdorfite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates, crusts.

Often confused with

Richelsdorfite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Mixite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Richelsdorfite leaves pale blue, Mixite leaves white.

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Often found alongside richelsdorfite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Cu₅Sb(AsO₄)₄(OH)₆·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Green
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find richelsdorfite

Classic worldwide localities

Richelsdorf, Germany
Cap Garonne, France
Schwarzwald, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where richelsdorfite typically forms. If you start seeing azurite, malachite, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify richelsdorfite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue, green.

Where is richelsdorfite found?+

Notable localities include Richelsdorf, Germany; Cap Garonne, France; Schwarzwald, Germany.

How much is richelsdorfite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is richelsdorfite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, arsenic, and antimony. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like richelsdorfite?+

Richelsdorfite is most often confused with Liroconite, Mixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with richelsdorfite?+

Richelsdorfite commonly co-occurs with Azurite, Malachite, Baryte, Tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does richelsdorfite form in?+

Richelsdorfite typically forms in oxidized copper-bearing ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is richelsdorfite used for?+

Richelsdorfite is used in collector.

Find richelsdorfite on the map

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