Feinglosite is an extremely rare secondary mineral known almost exclusively from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. It typically forms as small, elongated yellow prismatic crystals within the oxidation zones of polymetallic ore deposits.
Is this feinglosite?
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 feinglosite with a known reference. Feinglosite 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. Feinglosite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Feinglosite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Feinglosite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Feinglosite leaves yellow, Duftite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Feinglosite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Feinglosite and adamantine on Mimetite.
Often found alongside feinglosite
Minerals reported to co-occur with feinglosite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Zn(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.56 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find feinglosite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where feinglosite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, willemite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find feinglosite on the map
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