Chanabayaite is the first recognized triazolate mineral, having the formula Cu2(N3C2H2Cl(NH3,Cl,H2O,[])4.

[3] It is also one of a few currently known minerals containing ammine groups, including also ammineite, joanneumite and shilovite.

[5][6][7] All the minerals are rare and were found in a single guano deposit in Chile, called Pabellón de Pica.

[4] A similar natural phase, formula NaCu2Cl3[N3C2H2]2[NH3]2•4H2O, likely a precursor of chanabayaite, is described by Zubkova et al.

Chalcopyrite is present in an amphibole- and plagioclase-bearing gabbro, that contacts the guano deposit.