Libethenite
A variety of Olivenite Group
What is Libethenite?
Libethenite was discovered in the village of Ľubietová, Slovakia, and it was named after the German word for the village - Libethen. It is a relatively rare copper mineral that is commonly found in the form of beautiful, deep-green or olive green translucent crystals.
Etymology & Origins
It was discovered in 1823 in Ľubietová, Slovakia and is named after the German name of that locality (Libethen).
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Libethenite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Libethenite Localities Map
See where Libethenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Appearance of Libethenite
Libethenite almost always takes the form of dark-green orthorhombic crystals. It is often found in clusters with other libethenite crystals.
Formation of Libethenite
Libethenite is found in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits. It is most often formed from the weathering of phosphate rocks such as apatite, monazite, and xenotime. There have been no confirmed findings of primary libethenite, although a probable case has been reported.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Light to dark green, blackish green, olive-green, bluish green to light green in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4
- Density
- 3.972 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light green
- Luster
- Greasy, Resinous, Waxy, Sub-vitreous
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu2(PO4)(OH)
- Elements
- Cu, H, O, P
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Libethenite FAQs
How do I identify Libethenite?
Libethenite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, Light to dark green color, Greasy, Resinous, Waxy, Sub-vitreous luster, Orthorhombic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Libethenite?
Libethenite typically appears in Light to dark green, blackish green, olive-green, bluish green to light green in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Libethenite?
Libethenite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the appearance of libethenite of Libethenite?
Libethenite almost always takes the form of dark-green orthorhombic crystals. It is often found in clusters with other libethenite crystals.
What is the formation of libethenite of Libethenite?
Libethenite is found in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits. It is most often formed from the weathering of phosphate rocks such as apatite, monazite, and xenotime. There have been no confirmed findings of primary libethenite, although a probable case has been reported.
