Sclarite is a rare zinc carbonate that forms colorless to grayish white crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 1988. It was first described from Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Sclarite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this sclarite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Sclarite leaves white, Jarosewichite leaves reddish orange; luster reads vitreous on Sclarite and subvitreous on Jarosewichite.

Compare →

Often found alongside sclarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₇(CO₃)₂(OH)₁₀
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.51 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Grayish White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Zinc Ore Deposits

Where rockhounds find sclarite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits country, the host setting where sclarite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinit, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sclarite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, grayish white.

Where is sclarite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA.

What rocks look like sclarite?+

Sclarite is most often confused with Chlorophoenicite, Jarosewichite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with sclarite?+

Sclarite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Franklinit, Zincite, Hodgkinsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sclarite form in?+

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

What is sclarite used for?+

Sclarite is used in collector.

Find sclarite on the map

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