Zincostaurolite is a rare zinc-dominant member of the staurolite group. It is found in metamorphic environments and is visually nearly indistinguishable from common staurolite without chemical analysis.
Is this zincostaurolite?
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 zincostaurolite with a known reference. Zincostaurolite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincostaurolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincostaurolite typically shows a subvitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish brown, yellowish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Zincostaurolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zincostaurolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincostaurolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₂Al₉O₆(SiO₄)₄(O,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Density
- 3.7-3.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Subvitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-200 per specimen
Where rockhounds find zincostaurolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Finland
- France
- Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where zincostaurolite typically forms. If you start seeing kyanite, garnet, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincostaurolite?+
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How much is zincostaurolite worth?+
What rocks look like zincostaurolite?+
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Find zincostaurolite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
