Piypite is a rare potassium copper sulfate mineral first described from the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as bright yellow to yellow-green encrustations or delicate crystalline aggregates formed by volcanic gases.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Piypite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this piypite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch piypite with a known reference. Piypite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Piypite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Piypite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: crusts, aggregates, small tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Piypite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Euchlorine

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Piypite leaves yellow, Euchlorine leaves pale green; luster reads resinous on Piypite and vitreous on Euchlorine.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Piypite leaves yellow, Chlorothionite leaves white; luster reads resinous on Piypite and vitreous on Chlorothionite.

Compare →

Often found alongside piypite

Minerals reported to co-occur with piypite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: K₄Cu₄O₂(SO₄)₄
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Crusts, Aggregates, Small Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find piypite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country, the host setting where piypite typically forms. If you start seeing tenorite, sylvite, halenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, aggregates, small tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify piypite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green.

Where is piypite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

How much is piypite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is piypite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like piypite?+

Piypite is most often confused with Euchlorine, Chlorothionite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with piypite?+

Piypite commonly co-occurs with Tenorite, Sylvite, Halenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does piypite form in?+

Piypite typically forms in fumarole deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is piypite used for?+

Piypite is used in collector.

Find piypite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.