Spangolite is a rare copper sulfate mineral that typically forms distinct, attractive emerald-green tabular or pyramidal crystals. It is most frequently found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, often occurring as small druses or clusters on a matrix of gossan or associated with other copper minerals.
Is this spangolite?
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 spangolite with a known reference. Spangolite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Spangolite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Spangolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, emerald green, bluish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, pyramidal, massive.
Often confused with
Spangolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Spangolite leaves pale green, Brochantite leaves pale-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Spangolite leaves pale green, Connellite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Spangolite leaves pale green, Langite leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside spangolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with spangolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₆Al(SO₄)(OH)₁₂Cl·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.14 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Pyramidal, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find spangolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
- Majuba Hill, Nevada, USA
- Cerro Gordo, California, USA
- Laurion, Greece
- Redruth, Cornwall, UK
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper deposits country — that is the host setting where spangolite typically forms. If you start seeing azurite, malachite, cuprite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, pyramidal, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find spangolite on the map
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