Theoparacelsite is a rare copper vanadium mineral occurring as distinct, dark green, platy crystals or thin crusts. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of specific hydrothermal copper deposits and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this theoparacelsite?
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 theoparacelsite with a known reference. Theoparacelsite 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. Theoparacelsite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Theoparacelsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, dark green, emerald green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Theoparacelsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside theoparacelsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with theoparacelsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(OH)₂V₂O₇·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.28 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zone of Copper-vanadium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and rarity
Where rockhounds find theoparacelsite
Classic worldwide localities
- M'Fouati, Republic of the Congo
- Djounga, Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zone of copper-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where theoparacelsite typically forms. If you start seeing volborthite, calcite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify theoparacelsite?+
Where is theoparacelsite found?+
How much is theoparacelsite worth?+
Is theoparacelsite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like theoparacelsite?+
What minerals are found with theoparacelsite?+
What kind of rock does theoparacelsite form in?+
What is theoparacelsite used for?+
Find theoparacelsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
