Zincgartrellite is a rare arsenate mineral found in the oxidation zones of polymetallic deposits. It typically occurs as small, colorful crystalline crusts that require magnification to appreciate their crystal habit.
Is this zincgartrellite?
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 zincgartrellite with a known reference. Zincgartrellite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: greenish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, rosette, tabular.
Often confused with
Zincgartrellite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zincgartrellite leaves yellow, Gartrellite leaves bright yellow; luster reads vitreous on Zincgartrellite and chalky on Gartrellite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zincgartrellite leaves yellow, Helmutwinklerite leaves white.
Often found alongside zincgartrellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincgartrellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbZn₂(AsO₄)₂(H₂O,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 5.30 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, rosette, tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidized portion of a polymetallic deposit
Where rockhounds find zincgartrellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidized portion of a polymetallic deposit. If you start seeing wulfenite, duftite, β-duftite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, rosette, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find zincgartrellite on the map
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