How do I identify Keyite?

Keyite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Deep sky blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Keyite?

Keyite typically appears in Deep sky blue, blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Keyite has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

How to Identify Keyite | Properties, Meaning & Uses

What is Keyite?

Keyite is a mineral with the chemical formula Cu3Zn4Cd2(AsO4)6 · 2H2O. The name comes from Charles Locke Key (born 1935), an American mineral dealer who furnished its first specimens. Keyite is monoclinic-prismatic, meaning its crystal form has three unequal axes, two of which have 90° angles between them and one with an angle less than 90°. Keyite belongs to the biaxial optical class, meaning it has more than one axis of anisotropy (optic axis), in which light travels with zero birefringence, and three indices of refraction, nα = 1.800, nβ, and nγ = 1.870. Being a very rare cadmium copper arsenate, keyite is only found in Tsumeb, Namibia in the Tsumeb mine, a world-famous copper mine known for its abundance of rare and unusual minerals.

Keyite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Keyite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Keyite Localities Map

See where Keyite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.