Leightonite
A variety of Minerals
What is Leightonite?
Leightonite is a rare sulfate mineral with formula of K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4•2H2O.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Leightonite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Leightonite Localities Map
See where Leightonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Leightonite
It was first described in 1938 for an occurrence in the Chuquicamata Mine, Colama, El Loa Province, Antofagasta Region, Chile, and named in honor of Tomas Leighton Donoso (1896–1967), Professor of Mineralogy at the University of Santiago, Chile. It occurs in alkali oxidized zones of copper deposits and is associated with natrochalcite, blodite, atacamite, bellingerite, kröhnkite, gypsum and quartz in the discovery location at Chuquicamata, Chile, along with chalcanthite, anhydrite and lammerite in Tsumeb, Namibia. It has also been reported from the Schwaz area of North Tyrol, Austria, and the Visdalen Soapstone Quarry, Lom, Norway. At the mining site of Chuquicamata, Chile, Leightonite is not found in rich ore; rather it only appears in borderland material within 50 m (160 ft) of the surface, acting as a cement between rock fragments as it fills in cracks and cross-fiber veins in surfaces as a network of crystals. Although a hydrous sulfate of copper, it is not a major source of the element. Because of its rare nature, it is valued by mineral collectors.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Pale blue, greenish-blue; pale blue in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4 · 2H2O
- Elements
- Ca, Cu, H, K, O, S
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Leightonite FAQs
How do I identify Leightonite?
Leightonite can be identified by its hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, Pale blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Leightonite?
Leightonite typically appears in Pale blue, greenish-blue; pale blue in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Leightonite?
Leightonite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of leightonite of Leightonite?
It was first described in 1938 for an occurrence in the Chuquicamata Mine, Colama, El Loa Province, Antofagasta Region, Chile, and named in honor of Tomas Leighton Donoso (1896–1967), Professor of Mineralogy at the University of Santiago, Chile. It occurs in alkali oxidized zones of copper deposits and is associated with natrochalcite, blodite, atacamite, bellingerite, kröhnkite, gypsum and quartz in the discovery location at Chuquicamata, Chile, along with chalcanthite, anhydrite and lammerite in Tsumeb, Namibia. It has also been reported from the Schwaz area of North Tyrol, Austria, and the Visdalen Soapstone Quarry, Lom, Norway. At the mining site of Chuquicamata, Chile, Leightonite is not found in rich ore; rather it only appears in borderland material within 50 m (160 ft) of the surface, acting as a cement between rock fragments as it fills in cracks and cross-fiber veins in surfaces as a network of crystals. Although a hydrous sulfate of copper, it is not a major source of the element. Because of its rare nature, it is valued by mineral collectors.
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