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

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Zimbabweite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow brown, honey yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, tabular.

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 5-5.5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads adamantine on Zimbabweite and resinous to subadamantine on Mimetite.

How to tell apart: Zimbabweite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 2.75-3); luster reads adamantine on Zimbabweite and resinous, subadamantine to adamantine 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.

Kaolinite
mineral · Mohs 2-2.5

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Pb,Na,K)₂(Ta,Nb,Ti)₄As₄O₁₈
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 6.20 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow brown Honey yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Euhedral crystals, tabular
Cleavage: {010}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a hydrothermally altered kaolinized zone of a complex rare-metal and fluorine-rich granite pegmatite

Where rockhounds find zimbabweite

Classic worldwide localities

St. Ann’s mine, southeast of Miami, Karoi district, Zimbabwe

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a hydrothermally altered kaolinized zone of a complex rare-metal and fluorine-rich granite pegmatite. If you start seeing kaolinite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zimbabweite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow brown, honey yellow.

Where is zimbabweite found?+

Notable localities include St. Ann’s mine, southeast of Miami, Karoi district, Zimbabwe.

Is zimbabweite safe to handle?+

Zimbabweite contains arsenic and lead and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and lead, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

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 Kaolinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zimbabweite form in?+

Where it forms: In a hydrothermally altered kaolinized zone of a complex rare-metal and fluorine-rich granite pegmatite. 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.