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, so Spangolite leaves pale green, Brochantite leaves pale-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Spangolite leaves pale green, Connellite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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