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.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareSpiroffite Group family

Zincospiroffite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this zincospiroffite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch zincospiroffite with a known reference. Zincospiroffite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincospiroffite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zincospiroffite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular 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 — Zincospiroffite leaves white, Quetzalcoatlite leaves yellow.

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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: 3.5-4
Density: 5.73 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Tellurium-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or thumbnail

Where rockhounds find zincospiroffite

Classic worldwide localities

Moctezuma mine, Sonora, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in tellurium-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where zincospiroffite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurium, spiroffite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zincospiroffite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is zincospiroffite found?+

Notable localities include Moctezuma mine, Sonora, Mexico.

How much is zincospiroffite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount or thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is zincospiroffite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium; avoid inhaling dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zincospiroffite?+

Zincospiroffite is most often confused with Spiroffite, Quetzalcoatlite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with zincospiroffite?+

Zincospiroffite commonly co-occurs with Tellurium, Spiroffite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zincospiroffite form in?+

Zincospiroffite typically forms in tellurium-rich hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zincospiroffite used for?+

Zincospiroffite is used in collector.

Find zincospiroffite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.