Jaipurite is a rare cobalt sulfide mineral originally identified in the Khetri copper mining district of India. It typically appears as a massive, steel-grey to silver-white metallic mineral found in close association with other cobalt and copper sulfides.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareCobaltite-Gersdorffite Group family

Jaipurite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this jaipurite?

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 jaipurite with a known reference. Jaipurite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jaipurite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Jaipurite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cobaltite

Mohs 5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Jaipurite leaves black, Cobaltite leaves greyish-black.

How to tell apart: Jaipurite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs, so Jaipurite leaves black, Millerite leaves bright greenish-black.

Often found alongside jaipurite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CoS
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 6.0-6.4 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find jaipurite

Classic worldwide localities

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Khetri Copper Belt, India

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where jaipurite typically forms. If you start seeing cobaltite, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify jaipurite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, silver-white.

Where is jaipurite found?+

Notable localities include Jaipur, Rajasthan, India; Khetri Copper Belt, India.

How much is jaipurite 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 jaipurite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains cobalt and sulfur; handle with care to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like jaipurite?+

Jaipurite is most often confused with Cobaltite, Millerite, Linnaeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with jaipurite?+

Jaipurite commonly co-occurs with Cobaltite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does jaipurite form in?+

Jaipurite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is jaipurite used for?+

Jaipurite is used in collector.

Find jaipurite on the map

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