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 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincmelanterite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincmelanterite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale green, white, yellowish 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
- (Zn,Cu,Fe)SO₄·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Efflorescent Crusts, Granular
- Cleavage
- Good On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 for small samples
Where rockhounds find zincmelanterite
Classic worldwide localities
- Freiberg, Germany
- Rio Tinto, Spain
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where zincmelanterite typically forms. If you start seeing goslarite, melanterite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, efflorescent crusts, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincmelanterite?+
Where is zincmelanterite found?+
How much is zincmelanterite worth?+
What rocks look like zincmelanterite?+
What minerals are found with zincmelanterite?+
What kind of rock does zincmelanterite form in?+
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Find zincmelanterite on the map
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