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, so 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, so 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, 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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