Zincoberaunite is a rare secondary phosphate mineral found primarily in granitic pegmatites. It typically forms as delicate, radiating sprays or crusts of acicular yellow-brown crystals associated with other phosphate minerals.
Is this zincoberaunite?
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 zincoberaunite with a known reference. Zincoberaunite 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. Zincoberaunite leaves a yellowish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincoberaunite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: radial aggregates of acicular crystals.
Often confused with
Zincoberaunite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zincoberaunite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincoberaunite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnFe₄³⁺(PO₄)₃(OH)₅·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.28 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Radial Aggregates of Acicular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find zincoberaunite
Classic worldwide localities
- Reichenbach, Germany
- Hagendorf, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zincoberaunite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, variscite, strengite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radial aggregates of acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincoberaunite?+
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How much is zincoberaunite worth?+
What rocks look like zincoberaunite?+
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Find zincoberaunite on the map
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