Zincobriartite is an extremely rare copper-zinc-germanium sulfide mineral known primarily from the Tsumeb Mine. It usually occurs as microscopic inclusions or fine anhedral grains within massive ore samples, making it a target mostly for systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGermanite Group family

Zincobriartite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this zincobriartite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch zincobriartite with a known reference. Zincobriartite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincobriartite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zincobriartite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, pinkish-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Zincobriartite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside zincobriartite

Minerals reported to co-occur with zincobriartite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂(Zn,Ge)(Ga,Ge)S₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.86 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Pinkish-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Polymetallic Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per small specimen

Where rockhounds find zincobriartite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in polymetallic sulfide deposits country, the host setting where zincobriartite typically forms. If you start seeing germanite, tennantite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zincobriartite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, pinkish-gray.

Where is zincobriartite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is zincobriartite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is zincobriartite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and potentially trace heavy metals; avoid dust inhalation and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zincobriartite?+

Zincobriartite is most often confused with Germanite, Briartite, Renierite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with zincobriartite?+

Zincobriartite commonly co-occurs with Germanite, Tennantite, Galena, Sphalerite, Chalcocite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zincobriartite form in?+

Zincobriartite typically forms in polymetallic sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zincobriartite used for?+

Zincobriartite is used in collector.

Find zincobriartite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.