Kittatinnyite is a very rare mineral found almost exclusively in the Franklin Mining District of New Jersey. It typically occurs as small, delicate fibrous or radiating crusts and aggregates on calcite-rich ore. Because of its extreme scarcity and limited localities, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this kittatinnyite?
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 kittatinnyite with a known reference. Kittatinnyite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kittatinnyite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kittatinnyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Kittatinnyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kittatinnyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kittatinnyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Mn₄Zn₄(OH)₈(Si₂O₇)₂(H₂O)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find kittatinnyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin Mining District, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where kittatinnyite typically forms. If you start seeing franklinite, willemite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kittatinnyite?+
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How much is kittatinnyite worth?+
What rocks look like kittatinnyite?+
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Find kittatinnyite on the map
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