Ziminaite is a rare manganese-bearing variety of zincite found in high-temperature fumarolic environments. Collectors should look for its distinct orange-red coloration and sub-adamantine luster in volcanic encrustations. It is primarily identified through its specific occurrence within the Zimina volcano complex.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Sub-adamantine

Streak

Orange-yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareZincite family

Ziminaite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Sub-adamantine
Streak: Orange-yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this ziminaite?

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 ziminaite with a known reference. Ziminaite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ziminaite leaves a orange-yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ziminaite typically shows a sub-adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, orange, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ziminaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Zn,Mn)O
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 5.6-5.7 g/cm³
Colors: Red Orange Yellow
Streak: Orange-yellow
Luster: Sub-adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect Prismatic
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ziminaite

Classic worldwide localities

Zimina volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where ziminaite typically forms. If you start seeing gahnite, hematite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ziminaite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a sub-adamantine luster. The streak is orange-yellow. Common colors include red, orange, yellow.

Where is ziminaite found?+

Notable localities include Zimina volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is ziminaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ziminaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and manganese; avoid inhaling dust during preparation and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ziminaite?+

Ziminaite is most often confused with Zincite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ziminaite?+

Ziminaite commonly co-occurs with gahnite, hematite, tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ziminaite form in?+

Ziminaite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ziminaite used for?+

Ziminaite is used in collector.

Find ziminaite on the map

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