Its most common occurrence is as the end member mineral from the rapid oxidation of pyrite.

In high concentrations a negative pH can occur, as reported in waters draining from Richmond Mine at Iron Mountain, California.

[4] Copiapite can easily be distinguished from native sulfur because it does not give off an odor when dissolved in water.

It can be distinguished from similar appearing uranium minerals, such as carnotite, by its lack of radioactivity.

Other occurrences are in California, Nevada, and in the filled paleo sinkholes and caves of Missouri.