Koritnigite is a rare secondary zinc arsenate mineral typically found as attractive, delicate, bladed crystal sprays in oxidized mining zones. It is most famous from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia, where it occurs as a byproduct of the alteration of primary arsenides. Collectors should handle it with caution due to its arsenic content.
Is this koritnigite?
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 koritnigite with a known reference. Koritnigite 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. Koritnigite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Koritnigite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, pale red, colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed to tabular crystals, often in radiating sprays or crusts.
Often confused with
Koritnigite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside koritnigite
Minerals reported to co-occur with koritnigite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn(AsO₃OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed to Tabular Crystals, Often in Radiating Sprays or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Base-metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find koritnigite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Schwarzwald, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal base-metal deposits country — that is the host setting where koritnigite typically forms. If you start seeing adamite, smithsonite, tsumcorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed to tabular crystals, often in radiating sprays or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify koritnigite?+
Where is koritnigite found?+
How much is koritnigite worth?+
Is koritnigite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like koritnigite?+
What minerals are found with koritnigite?+
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Find koritnigite on the map
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