Zincospiroffite is a rare tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-bearing deposits. It typically forms small, clear, tabular crystals and is predominantly found associated with other tellurium minerals in the Moctezuma mine region of Mexico.
Is this zincospiroffite?
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 zincospiroffite with a known reference. Zincospiroffite 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. Streak: dark green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Zincospiroffite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zincospiroffite leaves dark green, Spiroffite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Zincospiroffite and adamantine on Spiroffite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zincospiroffite leaves dark green, Quetzalcoatlite leaves pale blue, almost white; luster reads vitreous on Zincospiroffite and pearly to dull on Quetzalcoatlite.
Often found alongside zincospiroffite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincospiroffite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₂Te₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 5.57 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains, microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in an oxidized Te- and Au-bearing quartz vein
Where rockhounds find zincospiroffite
Classic worldwide localities
- Zhongshangou gold deposit, Chongli County, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in an oxidized Te- and Au-bearing quartz vein. If you start seeing calaverite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincospiroffite?+
Where is zincospiroffite found?+
Is zincospiroffite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like zincospiroffite?+
What minerals are found with zincospiroffite?+
What kind of rock does zincospiroffite form in?+
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Find zincospiroffite on the map
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