How do I identify Aurichalcite?

Aurichalcite can be identified by its hardness of 1 - 2 on the Mohs scale, Pale green color, Pearly, Silky luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Aurichalcite?

Aurichalcite typically appears in Pale green, sky blue, greenish blue, colourless to light shades of blue or green in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Aurichalcite?

Aurichalcite has a hardness of 1 - 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Aurichalcite

A variety of Minerals

Rare

Aurichalcite specimen - rock identification

What is Aurichalcite?

Although aurichalcite looks tough, it can easily crumble when tumbled or even mishandled. Its composition of copper and zinc makes it a naturally occurring brass, but it isn't common enough to mine for use as ore. More often, it is used as a sign for more desirable zinc deposits nearby.

Etymology & Origins

It was first described in 1839 by Bottger who named the mineral for its zinc and copper content after the Greek όρειχαλκος, for "mountain brass" or "mountain copper", the name of a fabulous metal.

Uses & Applications

Aurichalcite is composed of zinc and copper, and its presence can be used to indicate where zinc deposits may be found. Although it contains the components of brass, it occurs infrequently and there is no way to extract the brass. It is quite rare, and therefore often enjoyed as a collector’s item.

Aurichalcite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Aurichalcite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Aurichalcite Localities Map

See where Aurichalcite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Aurichalcite

Aurichalcite typically occurs in the oxidized zone of copper and zinc deposits. Associated minerals include: rosasite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, hydrozincite, malachite and azurite. It was first described in 1839 by Bottger who named the mineral for its zinc and copper content after the Greek όρειχαλκος, for "mountain brass" or "mountain copper", the name of a fabulous metal. The type locality is the Loktevskoye Mine, Upper Loktevka River, Rudnyi Altai, Altaiskii Krai, Western Siberia, Russia.

Health & Safety Information

⚠️Harm Reason: Aurichalcite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Zinc, Copper.
⚠️How to prevent the risks of Aurichalcite?

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Pale green, sky blue, greenish blue, colourless to light shades of blue or green in transmitted light
Hardness (Mohs): 1 - 2
Density: 3.93 g/cm³
Streak: Light blue
Luster: Pearly, Silky
Crystal System: Monoclinic