Beaverite-(Zn) is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of lead-zinc ore deposits. It usually appears as fine-grained, earthy coatings or crusts with a characteristic yellow color, often requiring micro-analysis for positive identification.
Is this beaverite-(zn)?
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 beaverite-(zn) with a known reference. Beaverite-(Zn) sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow ochre.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to subadamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts.
Often confused with
Beaverite-(Zn) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Beaverite-(Zn) leaves yellow ochre, Jarosite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous to subadamantine on Beaverite-(Zn) and subadamantine to vitreous, resinous on fractures on Jarosite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Beaverite-(Zn) leaves yellow ochre, Beaverite-(Cu) leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous to subadamantine on Beaverite-(Zn) and earthy on Beaverite-(Cu).
How to tell apart: Beaverite-(Zn) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Beaverite-(Zn) leaves yellow ochre, Plumbojarosite leaves pale brown.
Often found alongside beaverite-(zn)
Minerals reported to co-occur with beaverite-(zn). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbZnFe₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.25 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow ochre
- Luster
- Vitreous to subadamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal Cu-Pb-Zn ore deposit
Where rockhounds find beaverite-(zn)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mikawa mine, Mikawa, Aga-machi, Higashikanbara-gun, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal Cu-Pb-Zn ore deposit. If you start seeing anglesite, galena, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify beaverite-(zn)?+
Where is beaverite-(zn) found?+
Is beaverite-(zn) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like beaverite-(zn)?+
What minerals are found with beaverite-(zn)?+
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Find beaverite-(zn) on the map
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