Zincmelanterite is a rare sulfate mineral that typically forms as a secondary mineral through the weathering of zinc-bearing sulfide deposits. Collectors usually encounter it as brittle efflorescent crusts or fine, fibrous aggregates that are highly sensitive to humidity and can dehydrate if not stored in a sealed container.
Is this zincmelanterite?
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 zincmelanterite with a known reference. Zincmelanterite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellowish green, apple green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, efflorescent crusts, granular.
Often confused with
Zincmelanterite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zincmelanterite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincmelanterite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnSO₄·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-2.5
- Density
- 2.02-2.03 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, efflorescent crusts, granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect; distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare mineral formed in the oxidation zone of pyritic ore deposits
Where rockhounds find zincmelanterite
Classic worldwide localities
- Good Hope and Vulcan mines, Vulcan, Gunnison Co., Colorado, USA
- Leh-Yang Co., southern Shaanxi Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare mineral formed in the oxidation zone of pyritic ore deposits. If you start seeing sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: fibrous, efflorescent crusts, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincmelanterite?+
Where is zincmelanterite found?+
What rocks look like zincmelanterite?+
What minerals are found with zincmelanterite?+
What kind of rock does zincmelanterite form in?+
What is zincmelanterite used for?+
Find zincmelanterite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
