Zapatalite is an extremely rare secondary phosphate mineral typically found as small, vibrant blue powdery coatings or crusts within oxidized copper deposits. It was first described from the La Zapata mine in Sonora, Mexico, where it forms in association with other rare secondary minerals. Collectors prize it for its striking, intense blue color, though it is usually only found as micro-specimens.
Is this zapatalite?
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 zapatalite with a known reference. Zapatalite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zapatalite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zapatalite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bright blue, sky blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts, powdery coatings.
Often confused with
Zapatalite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Turquoise is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3); luster reads dull on Zapatalite and waxy on Turquoise.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Zapatalite and vitreous on Chrysocolla.
How to tell apart: Zapatalite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Zapatalite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue; luster reads dull on Zapatalite and vitreous on Vivianite.
Often found alongside zapatalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zapatalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃Al₄(PO₄)₃(OH)₉·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates, Earthy Crusts, Powdery Coatings
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Copper-aluminum Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and intensity of color
Where rockhounds find zapatalite
Classic worldwide localities
- La Zapata mine, Sonora, Mexico
- Milpillas mine, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal copper-aluminum deposits country — that is the host setting where zapatalite typically forms. If you start seeing turquoise, jarosite, goyazite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts, powdery coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find zapatalite on the map
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