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. Zinconigerite-2N1S leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zinconigerite-2N1S typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 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.
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
- (Zn,Fe²⁺,Mg)(Sn,Ti)₂(Al,Fe³⁺)₁₂O₂₂OH
- 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
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find zinconigerite-2n1s
Classic worldwide localities
- Nigeria
- Russia
- Sweden
- Finland
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zinconigerite-2n1s typically forms. If you start seeing cassiterite, sillimanite, gahnite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.






