Kinoite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameKinoite
Chemical FormulaCa₂Cu₂Si₃O₈(OH)₄
Mohs Hardness5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorpale blue
Cleavageperfect on {001}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.19
Colorsblue, sky blue, azure blue, deep blue
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityChristmas Mine (Red Bird shafts; Inspiration Mine; Hackberry shafts), Christmas, Christmas area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila County, Arizona, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usescollector
Associated Mineralsapophyllite, quartz, calcite, dioptase, chrysocolla
Rarityrare
Description
This specimen features vibrant, deep blue microcrystalline Kinoite forming irregular patches and speckles across a light-colored, possibly quartz-rich, matrix. The striking blue color provides a strong contrast against the pale background.
Geological Context
Kinoite is a rare secondary copper silicate mineral typically found in vugs and fractures within altered basaltic rocks or in oxidized zones of copper deposits. It forms under low-temperature, hydrothermal conditions.
