Petedunnite is a rare zinc-rich pyroxene typically found in the famous ore deposits of Franklin, New Jersey. It is usually identified by its characteristic green color and granular habit within a complex mineral assemblage of zinc ores.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyroxene Group family

Petedunnite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this petedunnite?

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 petedunnite with a known reference. Petedunnite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Petedunnite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Petedunnite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Petedunnite leaves white, Hedenbergite leaves white to pale green; luster reads vitreous on Petedunnite and vitreous to resinous on Hedenbergite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Petedunnite leaves white, Augite leaves grayish white.

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Often found alongside petedunnite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZnSi₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive
Cleavage: Good in Two Directions
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find petedunnite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where petedunnite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify petedunnite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark green, yellow-green.

Where is petedunnite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin, New Jersey, USA.

How much is petedunnite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is petedunnite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and often trace heavy metals; wash hands after handling and avoid inhaling dust if polishing. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like petedunnite?+

Petedunnite is most often confused with Diopside, Hedenbergite, Augite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with petedunnite?+

Petedunnite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Franklinite, Zincite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does petedunnite form in?+

Petedunnite typically forms in metamorphic zinc ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is petedunnite used for?+

Petedunnite is used in collector.

Find petedunnite on the map

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