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).
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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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