Parahopeite is a rare triclinic zinc phosphate mineral typically found as transparent to translucent tabular crystals in the oxidation zones of zinc deposits. It is the dimorph of hopeite, from which it can be difficult to distinguish without professional analysis. Collectors primarily seek it from the classic oxidized ore bodies of Broken Hill, Zambia, where it is often associated with other rare zinc phosphates.
Is this parahopeite?
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 parahopeite with a known reference. Parahopeite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parahopeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parahopeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes elongated or bladed.
Often confused with
Parahopeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside parahopeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parahopeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₃(PO₄)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.08 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Sometimes Elongated or Bladed
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}, Good On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro-mounts and small specimens
Where rockhounds find parahopeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Broken Hill, Zambia
- Salmo, British Columbia, Canada
- Reocin, Spain
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where parahopeite typically forms. If you start seeing hopeite, hemimorphite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, sometimes elongated or bladed habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parahopeite?+
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How much is parahopeite worth?+
What rocks look like parahopeite?+
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Find parahopeite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
