Zincomenite is a very rare zinc selenite mineral typically found as a secondary oxidation product in selenium-rich environments. It usually appears as delicate, colorless to yellowish acicular or needle-like crystals or thin crusts associated with other rare selenide minerals.
Is this zincomenite?
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 zincomenite with a known reference. Zincomenite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincomenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincomenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, efflorescent crusts.
Often confused with
Zincomenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zincomenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincomenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnSeO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Efflorescent Crusts
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Selenide-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 for small thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find zincomenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hope's Nose, Torquay, Devon, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized selenide-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where zincomenite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, cerussite, hemimorphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincomenite?+
Where is zincomenite found?+
How much is zincomenite worth?+
Is zincomenite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like zincomenite?+
What minerals are found with zincomenite?+
What kind of rock does zincomenite form in?+
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Find zincomenite on the map
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