Namuwite is a rare secondary zinc-copper sulfate mineral typically found as small, thin platy crystals or delicate crusts in oxidized zones of ore deposits. It is best identified by its distinct pale blue or greenish-blue color and perfect basal cleavage, often requiring magnification for accurate identification. Collectors primarily source it from classic oxidized base metal localities where it occurs alongside other zinc minerals.
Is this namuwite?
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 namuwite with a known reference. Namuwite 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. Namuwite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Namuwite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale blue, pale green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, aggregates.
Often confused with
Namuwite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Namuwite and dull on Hydrozincite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Namuwite leaves white, Devilline leaves pale blue; luster reads pearly on Namuwite and vitreous on Devilline.
Often found alongside namuwite
Minerals reported to co-occur with namuwite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Cu)₄SO₄(OH)₆·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zinc-copper Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find namuwite
Classic worldwide localities
- Namuw Mining Area, Zambia
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Laurion, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zinc-copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where namuwite typically forms. If you start seeing hemimorphite, smithsonite, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find namuwite on the map
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