Schulenbergite is a rare secondary copper-zinc mineral that typically forms as delicate, pale green platy crystals or thin crusts in oxidized base-metal deposits. It is most commonly found in the weathered zones of mines associated with other copper sulfates and carbonates. Collectors prize it for its distinct, mica-like cleavage and soft, aesthetic color.
Is this schulenbergite?
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 schulenbergite with a known reference. Schulenbergite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schulenbergite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schulenbergite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale green, blue-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Schulenbergite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Schulenbergite leaves pale green, Langite leaves pale blue; luster reads pearly on Schulenbergite and vitreous on Langite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Schulenbergite leaves pale green, Posnjakite leaves pale blue; luster reads pearly on Schulenbergite and vitreous on Posnjakite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Schulenbergite leaves pale green, Serpierite leaves white.
Often found alongside schulenbergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schulenbergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Cu,Zn)₇(SO₄,CO₃)₂(OH)₁₀·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper-zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find schulenbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schulenberg, Harz Mountains, Germany
- Lavrion District, Greece
- Cap Garonne, France
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where schulenbergite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, aurichalcite, brochantite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find schulenbergite on the map
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