RockHoundR

Hermannroseite is a rare copper phosphate mineral often found as small, vibrant green crusts or fine tabular crystals. It is primarily identified by its distinct color and association with other secondary copper minerals in oxidized zones of ore deposits.

Hardness
4
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Pale green
Transparency
Transparent

Is this hermannroseite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

  • 1
    Test the hardness
    Try to scratch hermannroseite with a known reference. Hermannroseite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: grassy-green.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates, crusts.

Often confused with

Hermannroseite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Cornubite mineral
mineral
Cornubite
Mohs ~4
Compare →
Pseudomalachite mineral
mineral
Pseudomalachite
Mohs 4.5-5
Compare →

Often found alongside hermannroseite

Minerals reported to co-occur with hermannroseite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula
CaCu(PO₄)OH
Mohs hardness
4
Density
4.08 g/cm³
Colors
Grassy-green
Streak
Pale green
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Orthorhombic
Crystal habit
Tabular crystals, radial aggregates, crusts
Cleavage
None
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
A secondary mineral in an oxidize, polymetallic sulfide deposit

Where rockhounds find hermannroseite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in an oxidize, polymetallic sulfide deposit. If you start seeing conichalcite, whitlockite, pseudomalachite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hermannroseite?+
Mohs hardness is 4. Luster: vitreous. The streak is pale green. Common colors include grassy-green.
Where is hermannroseite found?+
Notable localities include Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Namibia.
Is hermannroseite safe to handle?+
Hermannroseite contains copper. Contains copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.
What rocks look like hermannroseite?+
Hermannroseite is most often confused with Cornubite, Pseudomalachite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with hermannroseite?+
Hermannroseite commonly co-occurs with Conichalcite, Whitlockite, Pseudomalachite, Hydroxylapatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does hermannroseite form in?+
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in an oxidize, polymetallic sulfide deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is hermannroseite used for?+
Hermannroseite is used in collector.

Find hermannroseite on the map

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