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 — Piypite leaves yellow, Euchlorine leaves pale green; luster reads resinous on Piypite and vitreous on Euchlorine.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.