Markascherite is a rare copper molybdate that forms green bladed crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2010. It was first described from the south glory hole of the Childs Aldwinkle mine, Pinal County, Arizona, USA.
Is this markascherite?
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 markascherite with a known reference. Markascherite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Markascherite leaves a green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Markascherite typically shows a subadamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals.
Often confused with
Markascherite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Markascherite leaves green, Scheelite leaves white; luster reads subadamantine on Markascherite and vitreous on Scheelite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Markascherite leaves green, Wolframite leaves dark brown to black; luster reads subadamantine on Markascherite and submetallic to metallic on Wolframite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Markascherite leaves green, Cuprotungstite leaves pale yellowish-green; luster reads subadamantine on Markascherite and vitreous to waxy to earthy on Cuprotungstite.
Often found alongside markascherite
Minerals reported to co-occur with markascherite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(MoO₄)(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.216 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Green
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Tungsten Deposits
Where rockhounds find markascherite
Classic worldwide localities
- Calico District, California, USA
- Guanajuato, Mexico
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal tungsten deposits country, the host setting where markascherite typically forms. If you start seeing scheelite, quartz, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find markascherite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
