Kinoite is a rare copper-calcium silicate mineral primarily known for its striking deep azure-blue color. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals or crusts in contact metamorphic environments, often found in association with other copper minerals. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and vivid, distinct blue hue.
Is this kinoite?
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 kinoite with a known reference. Kinoite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: bluish white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: azure blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed, tabular, or as drusy crusts.
Often confused with
Kinoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kinoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kinoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Cu₂Si₃O₁₀·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 3.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Bluish white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed, tabular, or as drusy crusts
- Cleavage
- Excellent on {010}; distinct on {100} and {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In vugs and veinlets in skarn (Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona, USA); in amygdules in basaltic lava flows (Calumet, Michigan, USA)
Where rockhounds find kinoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Helvetia, Santa Rita Mtns., Pima County, Arizona, USA (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In vugs and veinlets in skarn (Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona, USA); in amygdules in basaltic lava flows (Calumet, Michigan, USA). If you start seeing apophyllite, copper, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: bladed, tabular, or as drusy crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kinoite?+
Where is kinoite found?+
Is kinoite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like kinoite?+
What minerals are found with kinoite?+
What kind of rock does kinoite form in?+
What is kinoite used for?+
Find kinoite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
