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

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGermanite Group family

Zincobriartite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

Is this zincobriartite?

4-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
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, pinkish-gray.
4
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: Cu₂ZnGeS₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.86 g/cm³
Colors: GrayPinkish-gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: polymetallic sulfide deposits

Where rockhounds find zincobriartite

Classic worldwide localities

Kipushi mine (formerly the Prince Léopold mine), Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: polymetallic sulfide deposits. If you start seeing germanite, tennantite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zincobriartite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. Luster: metallic. Common colors include gray, pinkish-gray.

Where is zincobriartite found?+

Notable localities include Kipushi mine (formerly the Prince Léopold mine), Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Is zincobriartite safe to handle?+

Zincobriartite contains copper. Contains copper and potentially trace heavy metals; avoid dust inhalation and wash hands after handling.

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?+

Where it forms: 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.