Šlikite is a rare zinc magnesium carbonate, typically snow-white. It is a post-mining secondary. It was first described from Vladimír shaft, Plavno mine, Jáchymov ore district, Western Bohemia, Czech Republic.
Is this šlikite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch šlikite with a known reference. Šlikite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: snow-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Šlikite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Šlikite and satiny to greasy or waxy on Hydrotalcite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Šlikite leaves white, Stichtite leaves very pale lilac to white; luster reads vitreous on Šlikite and waxy to resinous, somewhat pearly on Stichtite.
Often found alongside šlikite
Minerals reported to co-occur with šlikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₂Mg(CO₃)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.613 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- hydrothermal veins
Where rockhounds find šlikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing annabergite, nickel-skutterudite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find šlikite on the map
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