Agardite-(Ce) is a rare secondary mineral typically found as delicate, needle-like crystals or radiating tufts in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant yellowish-green color and habit, though it is often visually indistinguishable from other members of the mixite group without chemical analysis.
Is this agardite-(ce)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch agardite-(ce) with a known reference. Agardite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Agardite-(Ce) leaves a greenish to pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Agardite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green, green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystals forming radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Agardite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside agardite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with agardite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₆(Ce,Ca,La)₃(AsO₄)₃(OH)₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.8-4.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Greenish to Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Crystals Forming Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
Where rockhounds find agardite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Clara mine, near Oberwolfach in the central Black Forest, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal base metal deposits country, the host setting where agardite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, azurite, conichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous crystals forming radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify agardite-(ce)?+
Where is agardite-(ce) found?+
Is agardite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like agardite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with agardite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does agardite-(ce) form in?+
What is agardite-(ce) used for?+
Find agardite-(ce) on the map
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