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 — Metaköttigite leaves yellowish-white, Köttigite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Metaköttigite and vitreous on Köttigite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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