Reinerite is a rare zinc arsenite mineral known almost exclusively from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. Collectors prize its vibrant, translucent green prismatic crystals, which are typically found associated with other secondary ore minerals in the oxidized zones of the deposit.
Is this reinerite?
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 reinerite with a known reference. Reinerite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Reinerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Reinerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals, often as crusts or granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Reinerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside reinerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with reinerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₃(AsO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.45 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Acicular Crystals, Often as Crusts or Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-1000+ for high quality specimens
Where rockhounds find reinerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base metal deposits country — that is the host setting where reinerite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, smithsonite, tennantite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals, often as crusts or granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify reinerite?+
Where is reinerite found?+
How much is reinerite worth?+
Is reinerite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like reinerite?+
What minerals are found with reinerite?+
What kind of rock does reinerite form in?+
What is reinerite used for?+
Find reinerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
