Brochantite
| Colour | Green |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4.0 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to pearly |
| Streak | Pale green |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Perfect [100] |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Cu 4 SO 4 (OH) 6 |
| Specific gravity | 3.97 |
What is Brochantite?
Brochantite is a sulfate mineral, one of a number of cupric sulfates. Its chemical formula is Cu4SO4(OH)6. Formed in arid climates or in rapidly oxidizing copper sulfide deposits, it was named by Armand Lévy for his fellow Frenchman, geologist and mineralogist A. J. M. Brochant de Villiers.
How to identify Brochantite
- Lustre: Vitreous to pearly.
- Hardness: Mohs 3.5–4.0 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Pale green.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Brochantite in different forms
Stones often confused with Brochantite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Brochantite?
Brochantite is Mohs 3.5–4.0 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Brochantite?
Brochantite is typically green (Green, emerald green, or black).