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 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: malachite-green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed, radial.
Often confused with
Szenicsite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Szenicsite leaves malachite-green, Malachite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Szenicsite leaves malachite-green, Atacamite leaves apple-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Szenicsite leaves malachite-green, Connellite leaves pale greenish blue; luster reads adamantine on Szenicsite and vitreous on Connellite.
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
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Malachite-green
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed, radial
- Cleavage
- {100} and {010}, good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a copper–molybdenum deposit in granite
Where rockhounds find szenicsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jardinera No. 1 mine, five km east of Inca de Oro, Atacama, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a copper–molybdenum deposit in granite. If you start seeing powellite, chrysocolla, brochantite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: bladed, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify szenicsite?+
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Is szenicsite safe to handle?+
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Find szenicsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
