Zincocopiapite is a rare secondary sulfate mineral typically found as an oxidation product of zinc-bearing sulfide deposits. Collectors often find it as brittle, yellow platy crystals or crusts in arid environments where iron-rich waters react with zinc minerals.
Is this zincocopiapite?
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 zincocopiapite with a known reference. Zincocopiapite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincocopiapite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincocopiapite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular crusts, powdery efflorescence.
Often confused with
Zincocopiapite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zincocopiapite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincocopiapite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnFe₄(SO₄)₆(OH)₂·18H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.36 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Crusts, Powdery Efflorescence
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find zincocopiapite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chile
- Spain
- Germany
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of sulfide ore deposits country, the host setting where zincocopiapite typically forms. If you start seeing copiapite, jarosite, melanterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular crusts, powdery efflorescence habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincocopiapite?+
Where is zincocopiapite found?+
How much is zincocopiapite worth?+
What rocks look like zincocopiapite?+
What minerals are found with zincocopiapite?+
What kind of rock does zincocopiapite form in?+
What is zincocopiapite used for?+
Find zincocopiapite on the map
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