Magnesiochlorophoenicite is a very rare member of the chlorophoenicite group typically found in the famous zinc mines of Franklin, New Jersey. It is most easily identified by its distinctive pink, radiating acicular crystal sprays associated with willemite and franklinite. Due to its arsenic content, collectors should handle specimens with care and ensure proper labeling.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareChlorophoenicite Group family

Magnesiochlorophoenicite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous to pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this magnesiochlorophoenicite?

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 magnesiochlorophoenicite with a known reference. Magnesiochlorophoenicite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to pearly.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous to acicular radiating clusters.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside magnesiochlorophoenicite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₃Zn₂(OH)₆As[O₃(OH)₃]
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous to pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Fibrous to acicular radiating clusters
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: metamorphic zinc ore deposits

Where rockhounds find magnesiochlorophoenicite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: metamorphic zinc ore deposits. If you start seeing willemite, zincite, franklinite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: fibrous to acicular radiating clusters. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify magnesiochlorophoenicite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. Luster: vitreous to pearly. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is magnesiochlorophoenicite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA.

Is magnesiochlorophoenicite safe to handle?+

Magnesiochlorophoenicite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Avoid creating dust while handling or cleaning and wash hands thoroughly after contact.

What rocks look like magnesiochlorophoenicite?+

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

What minerals are found with magnesiochlorophoenicite?+

Magnesiochlorophoenicite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Zincite, Franklinite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does magnesiochlorophoenicite form in?+

Where it forms: metamorphic zinc ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is magnesiochlorophoenicite used for?+

Magnesiochlorophoenicite is used in collector.

Find magnesiochlorophoenicite on the map

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