How do I identify Papagoite?

Papagoite can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Papagoite?

Papagoite typically appears in Blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Papagoite?

Papagoite has a hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Papagoite

A variety of Minerals

What is Papagoite?

Papagoite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral. Chemically, it is a calcium copper aluminium silicate hydroxide, found as a secondary mineral on slip surfaces and in altered granodiorite veins, either in massive form or as microscopic crystals that may form spherical aggregates. Its chemical formula is CaCuAlSi2O6(OH)3. It was discovered in 1960 in Ajo, Arizona, US, and was named after the Hia C-ed O'odham people (also known as the Sand Papago) who inhabit the area. This location is the only papagoite source within the United States, while worldwide it is also found in South Africa and Namibia. It is associated with aurichalcite, shattuckite, ajoite and baryte in Arizona, and with quartz, native copper and ajoite in South Africa. Its bright blue color is the mineral's most notable characteristic. It is used as a gemstone.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.607-1.672
Birefringence: 0.065
Pleochroism: Colorless to very pale greenish blue, blue, deep greenish blue
Optical Character: Biaxial negative

Papagoite Market Value Calculator

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

Papagoite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

Papagoite was named after the native Sand Papago peoples in Arizona. Traditionally, it is thought to be the stone of "far sight," enabling humans to communicate psychically from long distances, see into the past or future, and speak directly to the soul. Legend tells that one can even look into their past lives with this stone.