Orthoserpierite is an extremely rare copper sulfate mineral that occurs as a secondary phase in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It is structurally very similar to serpierite, forming delicate, sky-blue lath-like crystals or crusts that are highly prized by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this orthoserpierite?
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 orthoserpierite with a known reference. Orthoserpierite 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. Orthoserpierite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Orthoserpierite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, pale blue, greenish blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, lath-like, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Orthoserpierite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Orthoserpierite leaves pale green, Serpierite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Orthoserpierite and pearly on Serpierite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Orthoserpierite leaves pale green, Devilline leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Orthoserpierite leaves pale green, Langite leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside orthoserpierite
Minerals reported to co-occur with orthoserpierite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCu₄(SO₄)₂(OH)₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Lath-like, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
Where rockhounds find orthoserpierite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lavrion District, Greece
- Broken Hill, Australia
- Schneeberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal base metal deposits country, the host setting where orthoserpierite typically forms. If you start seeing smithsonite, azurite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, lath-like, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify orthoserpierite?+
Where is orthoserpierite found?+
Is orthoserpierite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like orthoserpierite?+
What minerals are found with orthoserpierite?+
What kind of rock does orthoserpierite form in?+
What is orthoserpierite used for?+
Find orthoserpierite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
