How do I identify Fornacite?

Fornacite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Deep olive-green; golden yellow in transmitted light (small grains). color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Fornacite?

Fornacite typically appears in Deep olive-green; golden yellow in transmitted light (small grains).. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Fornacite?

Fornacite has a hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

How to Identify Fornacite | Properties, Meaning & Uses

What is Fornacite?

Fornacite is a rare lead, copper chromate arsenate hydroxide mineral with the formula: Pb2Cu(CrO4)(AsO4)(OH). It forms a series with the phosphate mineral vauquelinite. It forms variably green to yellow, translucent to transparent crystals in the monoclinic - prismatic crystal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.3 and a specific gravity of 6.27. It was first described in 1915 and named after Lucien Lewis Forneau (1867–1930) the governor of the French Congo. Its type locality is in Reneville, Republic of Congo. It occurs in the oxidized zone of ore deposits and is associated with dioptase, wulfenite, hemihedrite, phoenicochroite, duftite, mimetite, shattuckite, chrysocolla, hemimorphite, willemite and fluorite.

Fornacite Market Value Calculator

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

Fornacite Localities Map

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