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, so Zincgartrellite leaves pale yellow, Tsumcorite leaves yellowish.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zincgartrellite leaves pale yellow, Gartrellite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Zincgartrellite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2); streak differs, so 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, 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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