Kipushite is a rare copper-zinc phosphate mineral typically found as small, vibrant green crusts or radial sprays in oxidized base metal deposits. It is best known from the Kipushi mine in the Congo where it forms in association with various other secondary copper minerals. Due to its scarcity, it is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare phosphate or copper minerals.
Is this kipushite?
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 kipushite with a known reference. Kipushite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kipushite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kipushite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, blue-green, bluish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: radial aggregates, crusts, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Kipushite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kipushite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kipushite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₆Zn₃(PO₄)₄(OH)₆·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Radial Aggregates, Crusts, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper-zinc Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find kipushite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kipushi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper-zinc hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where kipushite typically forms. If you start seeing azurite, malachite, hemimorphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radial aggregates, crusts, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kipushite on the map
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