Lazaraskeite is a rare copper acetate mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It typically forms as delicate, transparent to colorless prismatic crystals and is highly prized by mineral collectors specializing in rare species.
Is this lazaraskeite?
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 lazaraskeite with a known reference. Lazaraskeite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Lazaraskeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lazaraskeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lazaraskeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu(C₂H₃O₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- oxidized hydrothermal copper deposits
Where rockhounds find lazaraskeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lazaraska mine, Serbia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: oxidized hydrothermal copper deposits. If you start seeing malachite, azurite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lazaraskeite?+
Where is lazaraskeite found?+
Is lazaraskeite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like lazaraskeite?+
What minerals are found with lazaraskeite?+
What kind of rock does lazaraskeite form in?+
What is lazaraskeite used for?+
Find lazaraskeite on the map
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