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Olivenite
Olivenite is arsenate (copper), Cu₂(AsO₄)(OH). In the hand, it rates 3 on the Mohs scale, and it runs olive green and blackish green. Olive-drab green needle crusts from old copper mines, heavier than malachite, never fizzing, wearing military-green tones. Oxidized copper-arsenic deposits: Cornwall (England, the classic), Tsumeb (Namibia), Greece (Lavrion), Utah (USA).
The geology.
Olivenite carries the formula Cu₂(AsO₄)(OH). It belongs to the monoclinic (pseudo-orthorhombic) system. Catalogues list it as arsenate (copper).
It sits at 3 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads adamantine to silky. Light behaviour is translucent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 4.4 to 4.5. The streak is olive-green to brown. It breaks with indistinct cleavage; uneven fracture.
Olive-drab green needle crusts from old copper mines, heavier than malachite, never fizzing, wearing military-green tones.
It reaches buyers as needle sprays, velvety crusts or globular masses.
The origins.
Oxidized copper-arsenic deposits: Cornwall (England, the classic), Tsumeb (Namibia), Greece (Lavrion), Utah (USA).
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; rich Cornish suites are historic prizes.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, olivenite has little established lore; it is a copper-suite collector piece.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Olive-drab green needle crusts from old copper mines, heavier than malachite, never fizzing, wearing military-green tones.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Malachite | Malachite is brighter banded green and fizzes in vinegar; olivenite doesn't fizz |
| Brochantite | Brochantite is emerald-bright; olivenite is olive-drab |
| Adamite (cuprian) | Adamite fluoresces lemon-green under UV; olivenite stays dark |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on olivenite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Acid check | No fizz |
| By eye | Olive-green streak |
| By eye | Heavy for a green crust (SG ~4.4) |
Anything that scratches, burns or dissolves the piece is a lab job. Get it appraised rather than testing it apart.
Care & handling.
At 3 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with indistinct cleavage; uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Warm water and a soft cloth clean almost everything. Ultrasonic tanks, steamers and household cleaners are where pieces get ruined.
Copper arsenate, display only: wash hands after handling, never powder it.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Cu₂(AsO₄)(OH). Crystal system: Monoclinic (pseudo-orthorhombic). Specific gravity: 4.4 to 4.5. Streak: Olive-green to brown. Cleavage and fracture: Indistinct cleavage; uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Oxidized copper-arsenic deposits: Cornwall (England, the classic), Tsumeb (Namibia), Greece (Lavrion), Utah (USA).
What it gets confused with
Malachite: Malachite is brighter banded green and fizzes in vinegar; olivenite doesn't fizz. Brochantite: Brochantite is emerald-bright; olivenite is olive-drab. Adamite (cuprian): Adamite fluoresces lemon-green under UV; olivenite stays dark.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; rich Cornish suites are historic prizes.
One more thing
Cornwall's miners named it for olive oil's color, green so drab it stands out among copper's usual fireworks.
An education-first guide.
No product links here. We do not sell olivenite, and a guide that only covers our own shelves would not be much of a guide.
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