Ingramite is an extremely rare sulfate mineral found primarily in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals, making it a highly sought-after prize for advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare copper sulfates.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ingramite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this ingramite?

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 ingramite with a known reference. Ingramite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ingramite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ingramite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ingramite leaves white, Krausite leaves yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ingramite leaves white, Amarantite leaves yellowish-orange.

Compare →

Often found alongside ingramite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KCu₄Fe₂(SO₄)₄(OH)₂·11H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ingramite

2 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Chuquicamata Mine, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country, the host setting where ingramite typically forms. If you start seeing krausite, amarantite, chiavennite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah. Start trip planning there.

Browse 2 U.S. spots for ingramite →

Common questions

How do you identify ingramite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is ingramite found?+

Notable localities include Chuquicamata Mine, Chile.

Can I find ingramite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 2 ingramite rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states. The top states are Utah.

How much is ingramite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ingramite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle specimens with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ingramite?+

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

What minerals are found with ingramite?+

Ingramite commonly co-occurs with Krausite, Amarantite, Chiavennite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ingramite form in?+

Ingramite typically forms in oxidized copper ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ingramite used for?+

Ingramite is used in collector.

Find ingramite on the map

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