Hodgkinsonite is a rare silicate mineral primarily known from the unique zinc ore deposits of the Franklin Mining District. It is highly sought after by fluorescent mineral collectors due to its vivid orange-red reaction under shortwave UV light. Collectors should look for transparent pink to reddish prisms often associated with other rare zinc-manganese minerals.
Is this hodgkinsonite?
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 hodgkinsonite with a known reference. Hodgkinsonite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hodgkinsonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hodgkinsonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, red, reddish-orange, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Hodgkinsonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hodgkinsonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hodgkinsonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₂Mn²⁺(SiO₄)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 3.91 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Fluorescence
- Bright Orange-red Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and fluorescence
Where rockhounds find hodgkinsonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic zinc ore deposits country, the host setting where hodgkinsonite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hodgkinsonite?+
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Is hodgkinsonite safe to handle?+
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Find hodgkinsonite on the map
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