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 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kinoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kinoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, 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.
How to tell apart: Kinoite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs — Kinoite leaves white, Azurite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Kinoite and vitreous to dull on Azurite.
How to tell apart: Kinoite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 2-4).
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
- 5
- Density
- 3.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed, Tabular, Or as Drusy Crusts
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Contact Metamorphic Zones and Skarns
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find kinoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona, USA
- Christmas Mine, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in contact metamorphic zones and skarns country — that is the host setting where kinoite typically forms. If you start seeing apophyllite, calcite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed, tabular, or as drusy crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kinoite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
