Clinoclase
A variety of Minerals
What is Clinoclase?
Clinoclase is a hydrous copper arsenate mineral, Cu3AsO4(OH)3. Clinoclase is a rare secondary copper mineral and forms acicular crystals in the fractured weathered zone above copper sulfide deposits. It occurs in vitreous, translucent dark blue to dark greenish blue colored crystals and botryoidal masses. The crystal system is monoclinic 2/m. It has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 and a relative density of 4.3. Associated minerals include malachite, olivenite, quartz, limonite, adamite, azurite, and brochantite among others. Clinoclase was discovered in 1830 in the county of Cornwall in England. Found at Broken Hill New South Wales, Australia and associated with copper ore deposits in Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah in the United States. Also found in France, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Romania, Russia, and Zaire. Abichite is another name for clinoclase. The type locality for clinoclase is the Wheal Gorland mine at St Day, Cornwall in the United Kingdom.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Clinoclase 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.
Clinoclase Localities Map
See where Clinoclase is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Blue, greenish-blue, dark green-black; blue-green in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5 - 3
- Density
- 4.42 g/cm³
- Streak
- Bluish green
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu3(AsO4)(OH)3
- Elements
- As, Cu, H, O
Also Known As
Identify Clinoclase Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
Clinoclase FAQs
How do I identify Clinoclase?
Clinoclase can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Clinoclase?
Clinoclase typically appears in Blue, greenish-blue, dark green-black; blue-green in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Clinoclase?
Clinoclase has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
%252FAbenakiite-(ce)-01.jpg&size=small)
