Papagoite is a rare copper silicate mineral famous for its intense, vivid blue color that occurs in hydrothermal copper deposits. It is most frequently found as inclusions within quartz crystals, creating highly prized 'papagoite-in-quartz' specimens for collectors.
Is this papagoite?
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 papagoite with a known reference. Papagoite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light blue.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: cryptocrystalline, encrustations.
Often confused with
Papagoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Papagoite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. ~2-4); streak differs, so Papagoite leaves light blue, Chrysocolla leaves white when pure.
How to tell apart: Papagoite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Papagoite leaves light blue, Azurite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Papagoite leaves light blue, Turquoise leaves white to pale greenish blue.
Often found alongside papagoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with papagoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCuAlSi₂O₆(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 3.25 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent to transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Cryptocrystalline, encrustations
- Cleavage
- Distinct on {100}, noted in thin section
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In narrow veinlets in altered granodiorite porphyry (Ajo, Arizona, USA); included in quartz crystals (Messina, South Africa)
Where rockhounds find papagoite
Classic worldwide localities
- New Cornelia mine, Ajo, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
- Messina, Transvaal, South Africa
- Sinclair mine, near Lüderitz, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In narrow veinlets in altered granodiorite porphyry (Ajo, Arizona, USA); included in quartz crystals (Messina, South Africa). If you start seeing aurichalcite, shattuckite, ajoite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: cryptocrystalline, encrustations. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify papagoite?+
Where is papagoite found?+
Is papagoite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like papagoite?+
What minerals are found with papagoite?+
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Find papagoite on the map
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