Antipinite is a rare copper sulfate mineral discovered in the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically forms small, vibrant blue tabular crystals or crusts in high-temperature volcanic environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Antipinite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this antipinite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch antipinite with a known reference. Antipinite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Antipinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Antipinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, greenish-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates.

Often confused with

Antipinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Antipinite leaves white, Euchroite leaves pale green.

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Often found alongside antipinite

Minerals reported to co-occur with antipinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: KNa₃Cu(SO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.71 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Greenish-blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find antipinite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where antipinite typically forms. If you start seeing thenardite, kamchatkite, dolerophanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify antipinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, greenish-blue.

Where is antipinite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

How much is antipinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is antipinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like antipinite?+

Antipinite is most often confused with Chalcanthite, Euchroite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with antipinite?+

Antipinite commonly co-occurs with Thenardite, Kamchatkite, Dolerophanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does antipinite form in?+

Antipinite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is antipinite used for?+

Antipinite is used in collector.

Find antipinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.