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, 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.