Tinticite is a rare hydrated iron phosphate mineral typically found as earthy, botryoidal, or yellowish-white crusts. It is named after the Tintic mining district in Utah, where it occurs as a secondary mineral in oxidized zones of ore deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tinticite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this tinticite?

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 tinticite with a known reference. Tinticite 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. Tinticite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tinticite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, white, pale-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: botryoidal, earthy, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Tinticite and waxy on Variscite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Tinticite and vitreous on Strengite.

Compare →

Often found alongside tinticite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe³⁺₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃·3.5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown White Pale-green
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Botryoidal, Earthy, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits in Carbonate Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find tinticite

Classic worldwide localities

Tintic District, Utah, USA
Near Eureka, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mineral deposits in carbonate rocks country, the host setting where tinticite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, goethite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, earthy, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tinticite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown, white, pale-green.

Where is tinticite found?+

Notable localities include Tintic District, Utah, USA; Near Eureka, Utah, USA.

How much is tinticite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like tinticite?+

Tinticite is most often confused with Destinezite, Variscite, Strengite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tinticite?+

Tinticite commonly co-occurs with Jarosite, Goethite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tinticite form in?+

Tinticite typically forms in hydrothermal mineral deposits in carbonate rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tinticite used for?+

Tinticite is used in collector.

Find tinticite on the map

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