What is Linarite?
Linarite is a brilliant azure-blue lead copper sulfate from oxidised ore veins, one of the most vivid secondary minerals for a collector cabinet.
Mineralogy and crystal structure
Reference formula: PbCuSO4(OH)2. Linarite is a monoclinic hydrated sulfate with essential hydroxyl groups and lead-copper ordering. It commonly occurs with brochantite, anglesite, cerussite and other secondary minerals, and its intense blue colour is diagnostic only in the right paragenetic context. Linarite is classified with sulfates and has a monoclinic crystal system. Typical hardness is 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 5.3–5.5.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include azure blue, blue, blue-green. The usual prismatic, tabular, crusty habit and vitreous, pearly lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Linarite forms in or is associated with oxidised zones of lead-copper sulfide deposits, especially where sulfate-rich fluids circulate. Important documented localities include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Greece, Germany and Chile.
Electric blue from a weathered ore vein
Linarite delivers immediate display impact: a small crust or crystal can show an unusually saturated blue that photographs and catches light beautifully. Its value rises further when the specimen preserves the oxidised lead-copper assemblage that explains the colour.
Collecting and care
Lead-bearing and soft: keep enclosed or labelled, avoid dust and acids, do not cut or use in jewellery, and wash hands after handling.
