Scorticoite is an extremely rare zinc aluminum phosphate mineral known primarily from its type locality in Italy. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy or tabular crystals in oxidized zinc deposits, often associated with other secondary minerals like smithsonite.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Scorticoite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this scorticoite?

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 scorticoite with a known reference. Scorticoite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Scorticoite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Scorticoite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Hopeite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Scorticoite and vitreous on Hopeite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Scorticoite and vitreous on Parahopeite.

Compare →

Often found alongside scorticoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₂Al(PO₄)(OH)₄·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.35 g/cm³
Colors: White
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Limestone
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find scorticoite

Classic worldwide localities

Scortico, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in limestone country — that is the host setting where scorticoite typically forms. If you start seeing hemimorphite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify scorticoite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white.

Where is scorticoite found?+

Notable localities include Scortico, Italy.

How much is scorticoite 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.

What rocks look like scorticoite?+

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

What minerals are found with scorticoite?+

Scorticoite commonly co-occurs with hemimorphite, smithsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does scorticoite form in?+

Scorticoite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is scorticoite used for?+

Scorticoite is used in collector.

Find scorticoite on the map

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