Wroewolfeite is a rare secondary copper sulfate mineral that typically forms delicate, platy crystals in oxidized zones of copper deposits. Collectors usually find it associated with other copper minerals like langite, often appearing as distinct, thin, sky-blue laths. Its perfect cleavage and pearly luster are key diagnostic features, though it is often difficult to distinguish from its polymorphs without laboratory analysis.
Is this wroewolfeite?
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 wroewolfeite with a known reference. Wroewolfeite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wroewolfeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wroewolfeite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, foliate aggregates.
Often confused with
Wroewolfeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Brochantite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Wroewolfeite leaves white, Brochantite leaves pale-green; luster reads pearly on Wroewolfeite and vitreous on Brochantite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Wroewolfeite leaves white, Langite leaves pale blue; luster reads pearly on Wroewolfeite and vitreous on Langite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Wroewolfeite leaves white, Posnjakite leaves pale blue; luster reads pearly on Wroewolfeite and vitreous on Posnjakite.
Often found alongside wroewolfeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wroewolfeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄SO₄(OH)₆·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Foliate Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro-mounts and small thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find wroewolfeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tiger Mine, Arizona, USA
- Lower New York, USA
- Ross Island, Antarctica
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where wroewolfeite typically forms. If you start seeing brochantite, langite, posnjakite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, foliate aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify wroewolfeite?+
Where is wroewolfeite found?+
How much is wroewolfeite worth?+
Is wroewolfeite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like wroewolfeite?+
What minerals are found with wroewolfeite?+
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Find wroewolfeite on the map
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