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. Streak: pale yellowish green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dull olive green, pistachio green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular.
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
- Pb₃CuO₂Cl₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 6.76-6.93 g/cm³
- Colors
- Dull olive greenPistachio green
- Streak
- Pale yellowish green
- Luster
- Resinous to adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {101}, distinct on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral associated with lead- and copper-bearing pods in Mn–Fe deposits developed along fissures in dolomitic conglomerate and limestone
Where rockhounds find chloroxiphite
Classic worldwide localities
- Higher Pitts Farm, near Priddy, and in the Merehead quarry, near Shepton Mallet, Mendip Hills, Somerset, England
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral associated with lead- and copper-bearing pods in Mn–Fe deposits developed along fissures in dolomitic conglomerate and limestone. If you start seeing mendipite, diabolite, parkinsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chloroxiphite?+
Where is chloroxiphite found?+
Is chloroxiphite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like chloroxiphite?+
What minerals are found with chloroxiphite?+
What kind of rock does chloroxiphite form in?+
What is chloroxiphite used for?+
Find chloroxiphite on the map
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