Minrecordite is a rare zinc-dominant member of the dolomite group, often found as small, sharp rhombohedral crystals in the oxidized zones of metal mines. It is visually indistinguishable from dolomite to the naked eye, requiring chemical analysis for positive identification. It is most famously collected from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia, where it occurs alongside other rare zinc secondary minerals.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareDolomite Group family

Minrecordite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this minrecordite?

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 minrecordite with a known reference. Minrecordite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Minrecordite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Minrecordite 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: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside minrecordite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZn(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.83 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Rhombohedral
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base-metal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find minrecordite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine (Namibia)
San Calixto Mine (Spain)
Broken Hill (Australia)

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base-metal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where minrecordite typically forms. If you start seeing smithsonite, cerussite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify minrecordite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is minrecordite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine (Namibia); San Calixto Mine (Spain); Broken Hill (Australia).

How much is minrecordite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like minrecordite?+

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

What minerals are found with minrecordite?+

Minrecordite commonly co-occurs with Smithsonite, Cerussite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does minrecordite form in?+

Minrecordite typically forms in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base-metal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is minrecordite used for?+

Minrecordite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find minrecordite on the map

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