Triazolite is an exceptionally rare organic mineral found in arid oxidation zones of copper deposits. It is best identified by its association with copper chlorides and its unique crystal structure, usually requiring laboratory confirmation for positive identification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Triazolite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this triazolite?

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 triazolite with a known reference. Triazolite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Triazolite leaves a blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Triazolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Atacamite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Atacamite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Triazolite leaves blue, Atacamite leaves apple green; luster reads vitreous on Triazolite and adamantine to vitreous on Atacamite.

How to tell apart: Paratacamite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Triazolite leaves blue, Paratacamite leaves apple green.

Compare →

Often found alongside triazolite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCu₂(C₂N₃H)₂Cl₃·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.03 g/cm³
Colors: Deep Blue
Streak: Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}; Imperfect On {100} and {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits

Where rockhounds find triazolite

Classic worldwide localities

Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country, the host setting where triazolite typically forms. If you start seeing atacamite, paratacamite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify triazolite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is blue. Common colors include deep blue.

Where is triazolite found?+

Notable localities include Chile.

Is triazolite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and chlorine. Should be handled with care; wash hands after contact and do not ingest. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like triazolite?+

Triazolite is most often confused with Atacamite, Paratacamite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with triazolite?+

Triazolite commonly co-occurs with Atacamite, Paratacamite, Halite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does triazolite form in?+

Triazolite typically forms in oxidized copper ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is triazolite used for?+

Triazolite is used in collector.

Find triazolite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.