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, 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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What rocks look like kittatinnyite?+
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Find kittatinnyite on the map
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