Brochantite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of copper deposits especially in arid regions. You recognise it by it's color and habit as well as the associations. Its green color is usually a deep and attractive shade.

It is formed from the oxidation of copper ore minerals along with other oxidation zone minerals.Brochantite is similar to other fibrous green copper minerals that form in oxidation zones such as the carbonate mineral malachite, the halide mineral atacamite and the closely related sulfate mineral antlerite

It is soluble in hydrochloric and nitric acid.