Liversidgeite is a rare hydrated zinc phosphate mineral typically found as small, fragile crystals within oxidized ore zones. It is primarily known from the historic Broken Hill mining district in Australia, appearing alongside other rare secondary zinc phosphates.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Liversidgeite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this liversidgeite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside liversidgeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₂(PO₄)(OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Small Crusts, Prismatic Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find liversidgeite

Classic worldwide localities

Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where liversidgeite typically forms. If you start seeing hopeite, parahopeite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small crusts, prismatic crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liversidgeite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is liversidgeite found?+

Notable localities include Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.

How much is liversidgeite 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 liversidgeite?+

Liversidgeite is most often confused with Hopeite, Parahopeite, Tarbuttite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with liversidgeite?+

Liversidgeite commonly co-occurs with Hopeite, Parahopeite, Sphalerite, Pyromorphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liversidgeite form in?+

Liversidgeite typically forms in oxidized zinc ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is liversidgeite used for?+

Liversidgeite is used in collector.

Find liversidgeite on the map

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