Zinclipscombite is a rare phosphate mineral member of the lipscombite group, typically found as a secondary mineral in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites. It usually occurs as very small, dark green to black crusts or aggregate crystals, often resulting from the alteration of primary phosphate minerals like triphylite. Collectors typically require high magnification to properly observe the crystal habits characteristic of this species.
Is this zinclipscombite?
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 zinclipscombite with a known reference. Zinclipscombite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zinclipscombite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zinclipscombite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, black, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline, crusts, minute crystals.
Often confused with
Zinclipscombite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zinclipscombite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zinclipscombite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnFe₂³⁺(PO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline, Crusts, Minute Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 micro-mount, $100-300 cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find zinclipscombite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf-Pleystein pegmatite district, Germany
- Sapucaia pegmatite, Brazil
- Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zinclipscombite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, vivianite, leucophosphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline, crusts, minute crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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