Żabińskiite is a rare zinc-bearing member of the vesuvianite group, first discovered in the Silesia-Kraków region of Poland. It typically occurs as small, yellowish-brown prismatic crystals within carbonate-hosted zinc-lead ore deposits. Collectors should look for its distinct zinc-dominant composition which differentiates it from the more common calcium-rich vesuvianite.
Is this żabińskiite?
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 żabińskiite with a known reference. Żabińskiite sits at Mohs 6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Żabińskiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Żabińskiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Żabińskiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside żabińskiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with żabińskiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₁₉ZnAl₄(Si₂O₇)₂(SiO₄)₁₀O(OH)₉
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Zinc-lead Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find żabińskiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Olkusz, Poland
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal zinc-lead deposits country — that is the host setting where żabińskiite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, sphalerite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find żabińskiite on the map
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