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 — that is 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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