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. Zinconigerite-6N6S leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zinconigerite-6N6S 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 hexagonal crystals.
Often confused with
Zinconigerite-6N6S vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- Zn₂Sn₂Al₁₂O₂₂OH₂
- 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
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find zinconigerite-6n6s
Classic worldwide localities
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Austria
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zinconigerite-6n6s typically forms. If you start seeing sillimanite, cassiterite, gahnite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular hexagonal crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zinconigerite-6n6s?+
Where is zinconigerite-6n6s found?+
How much is zinconigerite-6n6s worth?+
What rocks look like zinconigerite-6n6s?+
What minerals are found with zinconigerite-6n6s?+
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Find zinconigerite-6n6s on the map
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