Ianbruceite is an extremely rare zinc silicate hydroxide mineral that forms thin, platy crystals. It is primarily known for its occurrences in the oxidation zones of the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia, where it is found in association with other rare secondary zinc minerals.
Is this ianbruceite?
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 ianbruceite with a known reference. Ianbruceite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ianbruceite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ianbruceite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Ianbruceite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ianbruceite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ianbruceite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₃(OH)₂Si₂O₇·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.23 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find ianbruceite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country — that is the host setting where ianbruceite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumebite, smithsonite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ianbruceite on the map
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