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 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincgartrellite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincgartrellite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Zincgartrellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zincgartrellite leaves pale yellow, Tsumcorite leaves yellowish.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zincgartrellite leaves pale yellow, Gartrellite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Zincgartrellite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2); streak differs — Zincgartrellite leaves pale yellow, Helmutwinklerite leaves yellow.
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
- PbCuFe³⁺(AsO₄)₂(OH,H₂O)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.92 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Polymetallic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 for micro-mounts
Where rockhounds find zincgartrellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Gartrell mine, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits country — that is the host setting where zincgartrellite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, mimetite, adamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic crystals, crusts habit, so 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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