Skorpionite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral discovered at the Skorpion zinc mine in Namibia. It typically forms clear, tabular, or bladed crystals in oxidized zones of zinc-rich ore bodies, often appearing alongside other zinc phosphates.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Skorpionite

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

Is this skorpionite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside skorpionite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Zn₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.88 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find skorpionite

Classic worldwide localities

Skorpion zinc mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zinc ore deposits country, the host setting where skorpionite typically forms. If you start seeing hopeite, tarbuttite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify skorpionite?+

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

Where is skorpionite found?+

Notable localities include Skorpion zinc mine, Namibia.

How much is skorpionite 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 skorpionite?+

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

What minerals are found with skorpionite?+

Skorpionite commonly co-occurs with Hopeite, Tarbuttite, Smithsonite, Hemimorphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does skorpionite form in?+

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

What is skorpionite used for?+

Skorpionite is used in collector.

Find skorpionite on the map

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