It forms small crystals that can make attractive green micromountable specimens. The type locality of Tombstone, Arizona is probably in doubt as the sample is believed to have actually been the mineral rodalquilarite . Subsequent sample from nearby have produced samples of actual emmonsite however.
Color is a yellowish green.
Luster is vitreous to dull. Crystals are translucent to transparent. Crystal Habits include small flaky or prismatic crystals as well as mamillary and compact masses. Cleavage is perfect in one direction. Hardness is 5.