Chloroxiphite is an exceptionally rare lead-copper oxychloride mineral typically found as small, dark olive-green platy crystals. It is a prized specimen for advanced collectors, occurring almost exclusively in the Mendip Hills of England where it formed via the alteration of lead-bearing minerals in manganese-rich environments.
Is this chloroxiphite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch chloroxiphite with a known reference. Chloroxiphite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chloroxiphite leaves a yellowish-green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chloroxiphite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark olive-green, pistachio-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Chloroxiphite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chloroxiphite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chloroxiphite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃CuCl₂(OH)₄O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-green
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese-rich Mineralized Veins in Limestone
- Typical price
- $200-1500+ depending on specimen quality and matrix
Where rockhounds find chloroxiphite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mendip Hills, Somerset, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese-rich mineralized veins in limestone country, the host setting where chloroxiphite typically forms. If you start seeing diaboleite, cerussite, hydrocerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chloroxiphite?+
Where is chloroxiphite found?+
How much is chloroxiphite worth?+
Is chloroxiphite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like chloroxiphite?+
What minerals are found with chloroxiphite?+
What kind of rock does chloroxiphite form in?+
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Find chloroxiphite on the map
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