Wilhelmkleinite is a rare zinc-iron arsenate mineral primarily known from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. It typically forms small, yellow, short-prismatic crystals often associated with other rare secondary minerals in oxidized ore zones.
Is this wilhelmkleinite?
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 wilhelmkleinite with a known reference. Wilhelmkleinite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wilhelmkleinite leaves a light yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wilhelmkleinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: short prismatic crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Wilhelmkleinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wilhelmkleinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wilhelmkleinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnFe³⁺₂(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Short Prismatic Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Polymetallic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find wilhelmkleinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits country, the host setting where wilhelmkleinite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, smithsonite, willemite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find wilhelmkleinite on the map
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