Colinowensite is a rare barium copper silicate that forms purple to dark blue crystals. It occurs in a hydrothermally-altered sedimentary manganese deposit. It was first described from the central-eastern ore body of the Wessels mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Purple

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Colinowensite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Purple
Transparency: Opaque

Is this colinowensite?

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 colinowensite with a known reference. Colinowensite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Colinowensite leaves a purple streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Colinowensite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: purple, dark blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: crystals.

Often confused with

Colinowensite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Fedotovite

Mohs 2-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Colinowensite leaves purple, Fedotovite leaves pale grass-green.

Compare →

Often found alongside colinowensite

Minerals reported to co-occur with colinowensite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: BaCuSi₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.20 g/cm³
Colors: Purple Dark Blue
Streak: Purple
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Crystals
Cleavage: Good On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits of Volcanic Vents

Where rockhounds find colinowensite

Classic worldwide localities

central-eastern ore body of the Wessels mine, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits of volcanic vents country, the host setting where colinowensite typically forms. If you start seeing fedotovite, kamchatkite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify colinowensite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is purple. Common colors include purple, dark blue.

Where is colinowensite found?+

Notable localities include central-eastern ore body of the Wessels mine, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.

Is colinowensite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like colinowensite?+

Colinowensite is most often confused with Fedotovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with colinowensite?+

Colinowensite commonly co-occurs with Fedotovite, Kamchatkite, Tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does colinowensite form in?+

Colinowensite typically forms in fumarole deposits of volcanic vents. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is colinowensite used for?+

Colinowensite is used in collector.

Find colinowensite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.