Chalcophyllite
A variety of Minerals
What is Chalcophyllite?
Chalcophyllite is a rare secondary copper arsenate mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of some arsenic-bearing copper deposits. It was first described from material collected in Germany. At one time chalcophyllite from Wheal Tamar in Cornwall, England, was called tamarite, but this name is now discredited (not to be confused with the amphibole mineral taramite, which is quite different). At Wheal Gorland a specimen exhibiting partial replacement of liriconite, Cu2Al(AsO4)(OH)4•(4H2O), by chalcophyllite has been found. The mineral is named from the Greek, chalco "copper" and fyllon, "leaf", in allusion to its composition and platy structure. It is a classic Cornish mineral that can be confused with tabular spangolite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Chalcophyllite 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.
Chalcophyllite Localities Map
See where Chalcophyllite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Chalcophyllite
Cleavage is perfect perpendicular to the c crystal axis, and twinning occurs with {1010} as the twin plane. Fracture is irregular. The mineral is soft, with hardness only 2, the same as gypsum. Specific gravity is generally given in the range 2.67 to 2.69, but Webmineral has 2.4 to 2.66. Chalcophyllite is soluble in acids and in ammonia. It is not fluorescent, nor radioactive. The water content varies at room temperature based on relative humidity. Chalcophyllite alters to chrysocolla, which is a copper-aluminium silicate with the formula (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4•n(H2O).
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Emerald green, grass green, bluish green, blue; green in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2
- Density
- 2.684 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale green to bluish green
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu18Al2(AsO4)4(SO4)3(OH)24 · 36H2O
- Elements
- Al, As, Cu, H, O, S
Also Known As
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Chalcophyllite FAQs
How do I identify Chalcophyllite?
Chalcophyllite can be identified by its hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, Emerald green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Chalcophyllite?
Chalcophyllite typically appears in Emerald green, grass green, bluish green, blue; green in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Chalcophyllite?
Chalcophyllite has a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the characteristics of chalcophyllite of Chalcophyllite?
Cleavage is perfect perpendicular to the c crystal axis, and twinning occurs with {1010} as the twin plane. Fracture is irregular. The mineral is soft, with hardness only 2, the same as gypsum. Specific gravity is generally given in the range 2.67 to 2.69, but Webmineral has 2.4 to 2.66. Chalcophyllite is soluble in acids and in ammonia. It is not fluorescent, nor radioactive. The water content varies at room temperature based on relative humidity. Chalcophyllite alters to chrysocolla, which is a copper-aluminium silicate with the formula (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4•n(H2O).
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