Lishizhenite is a rare hydrated sulfate mineral typically found as a secondary oxidation product in sulfide-bearing mining environments. Collectors identify it by its tabular habit and association with zinc and iron-bearing minerals in weathered mine tailings.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareRozenite Group family

Lishizhenite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this lishizhenite?

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 lishizhenite with a known reference. Lishizhenite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lishizhenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lishizhenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lishizhenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: ZnFe₂(SO₄)₄·22H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 2.23 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lishizhenite

Classic worldwide localities

China
Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal sulfide deposits country, the host setting where lishizhenite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, sphalerite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lishizhenite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is lishizhenite found?+

Notable localities include China; Germany.

How much is lishizhenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lishizhenite?+

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

What minerals are found with lishizhenite?+

Lishizhenite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Sphalerite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lishizhenite form in?+

Lishizhenite typically forms in oxidized zones of hydrothermal sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lishizhenite used for?+

Lishizhenite is used in collector.

Find lishizhenite on the map

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