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 — that is 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.