Köttigite is a rare secondary zinc arsenate mineral that typically forms vibrant pink to violet prismatic crystals or crusts. It is most commonly found in the oxidation zones of arsenic-rich zinc deposits and is prized by mineral collectors for its distinct, intense coloration.
Is this köttigite?
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 köttigite with a known reference. Köttigite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Köttigite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Köttigite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink, violet.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals, often as crusts or radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Köttigite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Köttigite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Köttigite leaves white, Erythrite leaves pale pink; luster reads vitreous on Köttigite and adamantine to pearly on Erythrite.
Often found alongside köttigite
Minerals reported to co-occur with köttigite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₃(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 3.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Acicular Crystals, Often as Crusts or Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base-metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find köttigite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
- Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base-metal deposits country — that is the host setting where köttigite typically forms. If you start seeing scorodite, pharmacosiderite, adamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals, often as crusts or radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find köttigite on the map
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