Yvonite is an extremely rare secondary copper arsenate mineral found primarily in the oxidation zone of polymetallic deposits. It typically forms delicate, needle-like acicular crystals or small, vibrant red radial sprays that are highly sought after by micromount collectors.
Is this yvonite?
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 yvonite with a known reference. Yvonite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yvonite leaves a orange-red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yvonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, reddish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous radial sprays.
Often confused with
Yvonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Conichalcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Yvonite leaves orange-red, Conichalcite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Mixite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Yvonite leaves orange-red, Mixite leaves white.
Often found alongside yvonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with yvonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(AsO₄)(OH)₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.23 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Orange-red
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Radial Sprays
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find yvonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cap Garonne mine, France
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal copper deposits country — that is the host setting where yvonite typically forms. If you start seeing lavendulan, tenorite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous radial sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find yvonite on the map
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