Ashoverite is a very rare zinc hydroxide mineral that typically occurs as small, colorless to white, platy crystals. It is primarily found within vugs in limestone associated with hydrothermal deposits, most notably in the Ashover area of Derbyshire, England.
Is this ashoverite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch ashoverite with a known reference. Ashoverite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ashoverite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ashoverite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Ashoverite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ashoverite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ashoverite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.41 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Limestone
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ashoverite
Classic worldwide localities
- Milltown, Ashover, Derbyshire, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in limestone country — that is the host setting where ashoverite typically forms. If you start seeing sweetite, fluorite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ashoverite on the map
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