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 — that is 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?+
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Find chloroxiphite on the map
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