Native zinc is an extremely rare metallic mineral that typically occurs as small irregular grains or thin layers within secondary oxidation zones. It often tarnishes to a dull grey or black and can be identified by its distinctive density and metallic luster. Pristine specimens are highly prized by collectors due to the mineral's chemical volatility in surface environments.
Is this native zinc?
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 native zinc with a known reference. Native Zinc 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. Streak: white and slightly grayish.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: irregular grains, platy.
Often confused with
Native Zinc vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside native zinc
Minerals reported to co-occur with native zinc. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 6.9-7.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White and slightly grayish
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular grains, platy
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidized zone of Pb-Zn-Ag deposits, derived from sphalerite by oxidation (Elsa mine, Canada); coatings on fibrous volcanic glass, as a volcanic sublimate (Mount Elbrus, USSR)
Where rockhounds find native zinc
Classic worldwide localities
- Elsa mine, Keno Hill-Galena Hill area, Yukon Territory, Canada
- Dulcina de Lampos copper mine, near Copiapo, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of Pb-Zn-Ag deposits, derived from sphalerite by oxidation (Elsa mine, Canada); coatings on fibrous volcanic glass, as a volcanic sublimate (Mount Elbrus, USSR). If you start seeing silver, sulfur, oxidized sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular grains, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify native zinc?+
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What minerals are found with native zinc?+
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Find native zinc on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
