Mixite is a rare secondary bismuth-copper arsenate mineral known for forming delicate, needle-like radial sprays. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of ore deposits where bismuth and copper minerals have weathered. Collectors prize it for its vibrant green to blue-green color and aesthetic, tufted habit.
Is this mixite?
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 mixite with a known reference. Mixite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mixite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mixite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, green, blue-green, pale blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous radial sprays.
Often confused with
Mixite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mixite leaves white, Malachite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mixite leaves white, Clinoclase leaves bluish-green.
How to tell apart: Mixite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Mixite leaves white, Tyrolite leaves pale green; luster reads vitreous on Mixite and pearly on Tyrolite.
Often found alongside mixite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mixite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BiCu₆(AsO₄)₃(OH)₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Radial Sprays
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Bismuth-copper Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find mixite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Tintic District, Utah, USA
- Black Forest, Germany
- Cornwall, UK
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of bismuth-copper hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where mixite typically forms. If you start seeing bismutite, malachite, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous radial sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mixite on the map
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