Reichenbachite , Kipushite Locality: Kipushi Mine (Prince Léopold Mine) , Kipushi , Katanga (Shaba) , Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre) ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 3.8 x 3.5 x 2.9 cm. The two, very well-placed vugs atop gossan matrix are covered with sparkly, botryoidal and matte, leaf-like reichenbachite after kipushite crystals. Reichenbachite is a copper phosphate and kipushite is a copper, zinc phosphate. This is old material from the 1960s or 70s. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Kipushite
Kipushite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Cu₆(PO₄)₂(OH)₆·H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/c). It is a member of the Philipsburgite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4; specific gravity 3.8; Pale blue streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Kip, IMA status: approved, named in 1983.
Found as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a Cu–Zn deposit (Kipushi, Congo).
It is found associated with Pseudomalachite, malachite, hemimorphite, pyromorphite, veszelyite, vauquelinite, libethenite, reichenbachite, quartz, iron oxides (Kipushi, Congo).
The name refers to Kipushi, Congo, where the first specimens were collected.