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, 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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