Chlorophoenicite is a rare zinc-arsenic mineral best known for its association with the famous Franklin mining district in New Jersey. It typically forms as prismatic to acicular crystals or radial sprays in shades of pink, and it is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Chlorophoenicite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this chlorophoenicite?

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 chlorophoenicite with a known reference. Chlorophoenicite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chlorophoenicite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chlorophoenicite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink, yellowish-orange, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial sprays, fibrous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Chlorophoenicite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Chlorophoenicite and pearly on Sterlinghillite.

Often found alongside chlorophoenicite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Zn,Mg)₃Zn₂(AsO₄)(OH,O)₆
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Reddish-pink Yellowish-orange Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Sprays, Fibrous Aggregates
Cleavage: Good in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright White/yellow Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Zinc-manganese-iron Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find chlorophoenicite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in zinc-manganese-iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where chlorophoenicite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial sprays, fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chlorophoenicite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, reddish-pink, yellowish-orange, brown.

Where is chlorophoenicite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA.

How much is chlorophoenicite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is chlorophoenicite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chlorophoenicite?+

Chlorophoenicite is most often confused with Holdenite, Sterlinghillite, Brandtite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chlorophoenicite?+

Chlorophoenicite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Franklinite, Zincite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chlorophoenicite form in?+

Chlorophoenicite typically forms in zinc-manganese-iron ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chlorophoenicite used for?+

Chlorophoenicite is used in collector.

Find chlorophoenicite on the map

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