How do I identify Chalcophyllite?

Chalcophyllite can be identified by its hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, Emerald green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Chalcophyllite?

Chalcophyllite typically appears in Emerald green, grass green, bluish green, blue; green in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Chalcophyllite?

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

Chalcophyllite

A variety of Minerals

What is Chalcophyllite?

Chalcophyllite is a rare secondary copper arsenate mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of some arsenic-bearing copper deposits. It was first described from material collected in Germany. At one time chalcophyllite from Wheal Tamar in Cornwall, England, was called tamarite, but this name is now discredited (not to be confused with the amphibole mineral taramite, which is quite different). At Wheal Gorland a specimen exhibiting partial replacement of liriconite, Cu2Al(AsO4)(OH)4•(4H2O), by chalcophyllite has been found. The mineral is named from the Greek, chalco "copper" and fyllon, "leaf", in allusion to its composition and platy structure. It is a classic Cornish mineral that can be confused with tabular spangolite.

Chalcophyllite Market Value Calculator

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

Chalcophyllite Localities Map

See where Chalcophyllite 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

Characteristics of Chalcophyllite

Cleavage is perfect perpendicular to the c crystal axis, and twinning occurs with {1010} as the twin plane. Fracture is irregular. The mineral is soft, with hardness only 2, the same as gypsum. Specific gravity is generally given in the range 2.67 to 2.69, but Webmineral has 2.4 to 2.66. Chalcophyllite is soluble in acids and in ammonia. It is not fluorescent, nor radioactive. The water content varies at room temperature based on relative humidity. Chalcophyllite alters to chrysocolla, which is a copper-aluminium silicate with the formula (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4•n(H2O).

More Images

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Emerald green, grass green, bluish green, blue; green in transmitted light
Hardness (Mohs): 2
Density: 2.684 g/cm³
Streak: Pale green to bluish green