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, 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.