Gordaite is a rare secondary mineral typically found as delicate, pearly-white to pale-blue tabular crystals or micaceous aggregates. It is most notable for forming in the oxidation zones of zinc-rich base metal deposits, where it is often associated with other rare secondary copper and zinc species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Gordaite

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

Is this gordaite?

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 gordaite with a known reference. Gordaite 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. Gordaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gordaite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale blue, pale green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, rosette-like aggregates, micaceous flakes.

Often confused with

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

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

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Often found alongside gordaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaZn₄(SO₄)(OH)₆·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.31 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Blue Pale Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Rosette-like Aggregates, Micaceous Flakes
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for micro-mounts and small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find gordaite

Classic worldwide localities

Sierra Gorda, Chile
Broken Hill, Australia
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where gordaite typically forms. If you start seeing parnauite, cuprite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, rosette-like aggregates, micaceous flakes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gordaite?+

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

Where is gordaite found?+

Notable localities include Sierra Gorda, Chile; Broken Hill, Australia; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is gordaite worth?+

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

Is gordaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and sulfates; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Do not ingest. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like gordaite?+

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

What minerals are found with gordaite?+

Gordaite commonly co-occurs with Parnauite, Cuprite, Jarosite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gordaite form in?+

Gordaite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gordaite used for?+

Gordaite is used in collector.

Find gordaite on the map

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