Junitoite is a very rare calcium-zinc silicate mineral discovered in the Christmas Mine in Arizona. It typically forms small, clear, tabular, or bladed crystals often associated with willemite in metamorphic skarn deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Junitoite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this junitoite?

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 junitoite with a known reference. Junitoite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Junitoite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Junitoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Prehnite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 4).

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Often found alongside junitoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZn₂Si₂O₇·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size

Where rockhounds find junitoite

Classic worldwide localities

Christmas Mine, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where junitoite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, ophicalcite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify junitoite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is junitoite found?+

Notable localities include Christmas Mine, Arizona, USA.

How much is junitoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is junitoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and may be associated with trace lead or other heavy metals in skarn deposits; handle with care and wash hands after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like junitoite?+

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

What minerals are found with junitoite?+

Junitoite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Ophicalcite, Calcite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does junitoite form in?+

Junitoite typically forms in skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is junitoite used for?+

Junitoite is used in collector.

Find junitoite on the map

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