Brianyoungite is a rare zinc carbonate mineral typically found as small, delicate white platy or micaceous crusts. It is most famous from the Northern Pennine Orefield in England, where it occurs as an oxidation product of zinc-bearing ores.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Brianyoungite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this brianyoungite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch brianyoungite with a known reference. Brianyoungite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Brianyoungite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Brianyoungite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, rosettes.

Often confused with

Brianyoungite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Hydrozincite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Brianyoungite and dull on Hydrozincite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Brianyoungite leaves white, Aurichalcite leaves pale blue.

Compare →

Often found alongside brianyoungite

Minerals reported to co-occur with brianyoungite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Zn,Cu)₃(CO₃)(OH)₄·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Rosettes
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for micro-mount specimens

Where rockhounds find brianyoungite

Classic worldwide localities

North Pennines, England
Gourrama, Morocco
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where brianyoungite typically forms. If you start seeing smithsonite, hydrozincite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, rosettes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify brianyoungite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is brianyoungite found?+

Notable localities include North Pennines, England; Gourrama, Morocco; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is brianyoungite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for micro-mount specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is brianyoungite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like brianyoungite?+

Brianyoungite is most often confused with Hydrozincite, Aurichalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with brianyoungite?+

Brianyoungite commonly co-occurs with Smithsonite, Hydrozincite, Malachite, Cerussite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does brianyoungite form in?+

Brianyoungite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-zinc deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is brianyoungite used for?+

Brianyoungite is used in collector.

Find brianyoungite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.