Christelite is a very rare copper-zinc sulfate mineral that typically forms as small, clear, tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, particularly in the San Francisco mine in Chile. Due to its rarity and delicate nature, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Bright greenish blue

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Christelite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Bright greenish blue
Transparency: Transparent

Is this christelite?

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 christelite with a known reference. Christelite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: bright greenish blue.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: greenish blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: bladed.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Serpierite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Christelite leaves bright greenish blue, Serpierite leaves greenish white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Christelite leaves bright greenish blue, Ktenasite leaves light green.

Compare →

Often found alongside christelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₃Cu₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₆·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.14 g/cm³
Colors: Greenish blue
Streak: Bright greenish blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed
Cleavage: On {001}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral in the oxidized portions of a Cu–Zn sulfide deposit

Where rockhounds find christelite

Classic worldwide localities

San Francisco mine, two km west of the Sierra Gorda railway station, Sierra Gorda district, Antofagasta, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized portions of a Cu–Zn sulfide deposit. If you start seeing zincian paratacamite, anglesite, hemimorphite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: bladed. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify christelite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is bright greenish blue. Common colors include greenish blue.

Where is christelite found?+

Notable localities include San Francisco mine, two km west of the Sierra Gorda railway station, Sierra Gorda district, Antofagasta, Chile.

Is christelite safe to handle?+

Christelite contains copper. Contains copper and zinc. Avoid inhaling dust or ingestion; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What rocks look like christelite?+

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

What minerals are found with christelite?+

Christelite commonly co-occurs with Zincian paratacamite, Anglesite, Hemimorphite, Gordaite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does christelite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized portions of a Cu–Zn sulfide deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is christelite used for?+

Christelite is used in collector.

Find christelite on the map

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