Metaköttigite is a rare zinc arsenate mineral that forms as an alteration product of köttigite. Collectors typically find it as yellow-to-orange powdery crusts or masses in highly oxidized portions of arsenic-rich zinc ore deposits.
Is this metaköttigite?
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 metaköttigite with a known reference. Metaköttigite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metaköttigite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metaköttigite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, powdery, or as encrustations.
Often confused with
Metaköttigite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Metaköttigite leaves yellowish-white, Köttigite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Metaköttigite and vitreous on Köttigite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Metaköttigite leaves yellowish-white, Symplesite leaves white.
Often found alongside metaköttigite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metaköttigite. 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
- 2
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Powdery, Or as Encrustations
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find metaköttigite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schwarzenberg, Germany
- Mapimi, Mexico
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal ore deposits country, the host setting where metaköttigite typically forms. If you start seeing köttigite, arsenopyrite, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, powdery, or as encrustations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metaköttigite?+
Where is metaköttigite found?+
How much is metaköttigite worth?+
Is metaköttigite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like metaköttigite?+
What minerals are found with metaköttigite?+
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Find metaköttigite on the map
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