Zincolibethenite is a rare copper-zinc phosphate member of the Libethenite Group. Collectors typically find it as vibrant green, short prismatic crystals or crusts within the secondary oxidation zones of base metal mines.
Is this zincolibethenite?
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 zincolibethenite with a known reference. Zincolibethenite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincolibethenite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincolibethenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: short prismatic crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Zincolibethenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Zincolibethenite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3); streak differs — Zincolibethenite leaves pale green, Olivenite leaves olive-green; luster reads vitreous on Zincolibethenite and adamantine on Olivenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zincolibethenite leaves pale green, Pseudomalachite leaves light green.
Often found alongside zincolibethenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincolibethenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuZn(PO₄)(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Short Prismatic Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper-zinc Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find zincolibethenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine (Namibia)
- Broken Hill (Australia)
- Cap Garonne (France)
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper-zinc hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where zincolibethenite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, smithsonite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincolibethenite?+
Where is zincolibethenite found?+
How much is zincolibethenite worth?+
Is zincolibethenite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like zincolibethenite?+
What minerals are found with zincolibethenite?+
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Find zincolibethenite on the map
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