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 — that is 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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