Ingramite is an extremely rare sulfate mineral found primarily in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals, making it a highly sought-after prize for advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare copper sulfates.
Is this ingramite?
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 ingramite with a known reference. Ingramite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ingramite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ingramite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Ingramite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ingramite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ingramite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KCu₄Fe₂(SO₄)₄(OH)₂·11H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ingramite
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata Mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where ingramite typically forms. If you start seeing krausite, amarantite, chiavennite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify ingramite?+
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Find ingramite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
