Zinconigerite-2N1S is an extremely rare oxide mineral belonging to the nigerite group, characterized by its high hardness and trigonal symmetry. It typically occurs as small, brownish tabular crystals embedded in complex pegmatitic rocks associated with tin mineralization.
Is this zinconigerite-2n1s?
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 zinconigerite-2n1s with a known reference. Zinconigerite-2N1S sits at Mohs 8-9, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Zinconigerite-2N1S vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Zinconigerite-2N1S and adamantine to vitreous; pearly on partings on Corundum.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zinconigerite-2N1S leaves white, Gahnite leaves gray.
Often found alongside zinconigerite-2n1s
Minerals reported to co-occur with zinconigerite-2n1s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnSn₂Al₁₂O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 8-9
- Density
- 4.5-4.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- granite pegmatites
Where rockhounds find zinconigerite-2n1s
Classic worldwide localities
- Nigeria
- Russia
- Sweden
- Finland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: granite pegmatites. If you start seeing cassiterite, sillimanite, gahnite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zinconigerite-2n1s?+
Where is zinconigerite-2n1s found?+
What rocks look like zinconigerite-2n1s?+
What minerals are found with zinconigerite-2n1s?+
What kind of rock does zinconigerite-2n1s form in?+
What is zinconigerite-2n1s used for?+
Find zinconigerite-2n1s on the map
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