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, so 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, so 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, 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.