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 — that is 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.