Zinconigerite-6N6S is a rare complex zinc tin aluminum oxide mineral belonging to the nigerite group. It typically occurs as small, brownish tabular crystals in pegmatites and is highly prized by mineral collectors due to its scarcity and high hardness.
Is this zinconigerite-6n6s?
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-6n6s with a known reference. Zinconigerite-6N6S 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 hexagonal crystals.
Often confused with
Zinconigerite-6N6S vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Zinconigerite-6N6S and adamantine to vitreous; pearly on partings on Corundum.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zinconigerite-6N6S leaves white, Gahnite leaves gray.
Often found alongside zinconigerite-6n6s
Minerals reported to co-occur with zinconigerite-6n6s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₃Sn₂Al₁₆O₃₀(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 8-9
- Density
- 4.5-4.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular hexagonal crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- granite pegmatites
Where rockhounds find zinconigerite-6n6s
Classic worldwide localities
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: granite pegmatites. If you start seeing sillimanite, cassiterite, gahnite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular hexagonal crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zinconigerite-6n6s?+
Where is zinconigerite-6n6s found?+
What rocks look like zinconigerite-6n6s?+
What minerals are found with zinconigerite-6n6s?+
What kind of rock does zinconigerite-6n6s form in?+
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Find zinconigerite-6n6s on the map
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