Zincrosasite is a rare zinc-dominant member of the rosasite group, typically found as attractive, spherical, or botryoidal crusts. It is best identified by its vibrant blue to greenish-blue color and its occurrence in oxidized ore zones alongside other secondary zinc minerals. Specimens are highly sought after by collectors of Tsumeb or Mexican minerals due to their distinctive morphology and color.
Is this zincrosasite?
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 zincrosasite with a known reference. Zincrosasite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincrosasite leaves a pale blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincrosasite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, greenish-blue, pale green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: botryoidal, fibrous, spherulitic aggregates.
Often confused with
Zincrosasite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zincrosasite leaves pale blue, Rosasite leaves light blue.
How to tell apart: Zincrosasite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2).
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zincrosasite leaves pale blue, Malachite leaves light green; luster reads pearly on Zincrosasite and vitreous on Malachite.
Often found alongside zincrosasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincrosasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Cu)₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.0-4.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Blue
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, Fibrous, Spherulitic Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Zinc-copper Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200-500 cabinet
Where rockhounds find zincrosasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Ojuela Mine, Mexico
- Kelly Mine, USA
- Laurion, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of zinc-copper hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where zincrosasite typically forms. If you start seeing smithsonite, hemimorphite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, fibrous, spherulitic aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find zincrosasite on the map
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