Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monoclinicuncommonsulfates
Brochantite
Cu₄(SO₄)(OH)₆
This specimen features a vibrant cluster of emerald green to dark green acicular (needle-like) brochantite crystals, often forming radiating aggregates or a drusy coating on a matrix.
Brochantite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
pale greenCleavage
perfect on {100}Fracture
conchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
3.97Colors
emerald green, dark green, bluish-greenTransparency
transparent to translucentType Locality
Bingham, Hansonburg District, Socorro County, New Mexico, USAMineral Group
sulfatesUses
collector, minor copper oreAssociated Minerals
azurite, malachite, chrysocolla, native copper, cuprite, tenorite, gypsumRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Brochantite is a secondary copper sulfate mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of copper sulfide deposits, particularly in arid or semi-arid climates. It results from the alteration of primary copper minerals.
