Szenicsite is a rare copper molybdate mineral prized by collectors for its vibrant deep green color and bladed habit. It is found exclusively in oxidized zones of copper deposits, typically occurring as thin, sharp, emerald-green blades or crusts associated with other secondary copper minerals.
Is this szenicsite?
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 szenicsite with a known reference. Szenicsite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Szenicsite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Szenicsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, emerald green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, tabular crystals, drusy crusts.
Often confused with
Szenicsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Szenicsite leaves light green, Atacamite leaves apple green; luster reads vitreous on Szenicsite and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Szenicsite leaves light green, Connellite leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside szenicsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with szenicsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(MoO₄)(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Tabular Crystals, Drusy Crusts
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper-molybdenum Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality
Where rockhounds find szenicsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sulfide zone, Inca de Oro, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper-molybdenum hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where szenicsite typically forms. If you start seeing chrysocolla, quartz, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, tabular crystals, drusy crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find szenicsite on the map
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