$73Median
2Sold (12 mo)
$50Last sale
Copiapite
3 in the gallery
Copiapite is a hydrated iron sulfate mineral that forms as brownish to yellowish crystals and radiating aggregates in oxidized sulfide environments. It often occurs as tabular to prismatic crystals with a vitreous to slightly resinous lustre, commonly coating fracture surfaces or forming crusts in arid, sulfate-rich locales. Notable specimens come from Chile and Argentina, with classic deposits revealing crisp, color-contrast crystals and well-developed crystal faces that reflect light along the elongated forms.
- Formula
- Fe2+Fe3+4(SO4)6(OH)2 · 20H2O
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
Where Copiapite is found
Top localities
- Atacama1 specimen
- Hilarion Mine1 specimen
- Southwest Mine1 specimen
About Copiapite
Collectors prize Copiapite for its delicate colors, range of habit, and association with other iron sulfates, which can create striking mineral assemblages in oxidized zones. The rarity and condition of well-preserved crystals from classic working districts add to its appeal, making mature, well-documented matrixes especially desirable for study and display. Its occurrence alongside related minerals in arid mine dumps and secondary mineralizations offers a window into oxidation processes and mineral paragenesis observed in the field.
