Zimbabweite is a very rare oxide mineral typically found in complex granite pegmatites. It forms small, lustrous tabular crystals with a distinct adamantine luster, making it a sought-after prize for micro-mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Zimbabweite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this zimbabweite?

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 zimbabweite with a known reference. Zimbabweite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zimbabweite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zimbabweite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, often small and complex.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mimetite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Zimbabweite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4).

How to tell apart: Zimbabweite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3); luster reads adamantine on Zimbabweite and resinous on Wulfenite.

Compare →

Often found alongside zimbabweite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaPb₂Ti₂Sb₅O₂₀
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Often Small and Complex
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 for small crystals

Where rockhounds find zimbabweite

Classic worldwide localities

Stakle Mine, Zimbabwe
Mount St. Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zimbabweite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, often small and complex habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zimbabweite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is zimbabweite found?+

Notable localities include Stakle Mine, Zimbabwe; Mount St. Hilaire, Canada.

How much is zimbabweite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is zimbabweite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zimbabweite?+

Zimbabweite is most often confused with Mimetite, Wulfenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with zimbabweite?+

Zimbabweite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Albite, Beryl, Columbite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zimbabweite form in?+

Zimbabweite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zimbabweite used for?+

Zimbabweite is used in collector.

Find zimbabweite on the map

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