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

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Skorpionite

Hardness: 3.5
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 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular.

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)₂CO₃(OH)₂(H₂O)
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.15 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral in an oxidized non-sulfide zinc deposit formed by weathering of sediment- and volcanic-hosted disseminated sulfide minerals

Where rockhounds find skorpionite

Classic worldwide localities

Skorpion zinc mine, Lüderitz district, Karas region, south-western Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in an oxidized non-sulfide zinc deposit formed by weathering of sediment- and volcanic-hosted disseminated sulfide minerals. If you start seeing tarbuttite, hydrozincite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify skorpionite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is skorpionite found?+

Notable localities include Skorpion zinc mine, Lüderitz district, Karas region, south-western Namibia.

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 Tarbuttite, Hydrozincite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does skorpionite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in an oxidized non-sulfide zinc deposit formed by weathering of sediment- and volcanic-hosted disseminated sulfide minerals. 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.