Bluebellite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bluebellite?
Bluebellite is a mineral discovered in 2013 in the Blue Bell Mine in the Mojave Desert, California at the same time as the discovery of mojaveite. This mineral was named after its locality, since the Blue Bell Mine claims most of the surrounding area. The only observed forms of this mineral are the {001} and {001}. Bluebellite is known to form bright bluish-green flattened plates or flakes that are range up to 20 x 20 x 5 nm in size, commonly inter-grown in irregular aggregates. Bluebellite and mojaveite are very similar in structure, they are only differentiated by their unique mineral composition.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bluebellite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Bluebellite Localities Map
See where Bluebellite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Bluebellite
Bluebellite has an adamantine luster and has an overall bright bluish-green color. This sometimes has a dull appearance because of the roughness of the surface. It is very soft, a 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. Bluebellite has a pale blueish-green streak and has an uneven fracture. It has perfect cleavage along the {001} plane.
Formation of Bluebellite
Bluebellite was discovered within the D-shaft of the Bluebell mine in the Mojave Desert, California. The surrounding rock was composed of very siliceous hornfels along with murdochite, calcite, fluorite, and hemimorphite. This new mineral was discovered along with mojaveite within the Blue Bell area.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Bright bluish-green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 1
- Density
- 4.746 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale bluish green
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu6(I5+O3)(OH)37Cl
- Elements
- Cl, Cu, H, I, O
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Bluebellite FAQs
How do I identify Bluebellite?
Bluebellite can be identified by its hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale, Bright bluish-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Bluebellite?
Bluebellite typically appears in Bright bluish-green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Bluebellite?
Bluebellite has a hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the characteristics of bluebellite of Bluebellite?
Bluebellite has an adamantine luster and has an overall bright bluish-green color. This sometimes has a dull appearance because of the roughness of the surface. It is very soft, a 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. Bluebellite has a pale blueish-green streak and has an uneven fracture. It has perfect cleavage along the {001} plane.
What is the formation of bluebellite of Bluebellite?
Bluebellite was discovered within the D-shaft of the Bluebell mine in the Mojave Desert, California. The surrounding rock was composed of very siliceous hornfels along with murdochite, calcite, fluorite, and hemimorphite. This new mineral was discovered along with mojaveite within the Blue Bell area.
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