Zincroselite is a rare arsenate mineral that belongs to the roselite group, often appearing as small, delicate prismatic or acicular crystals. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of arsenic-rich base metal deposits, most notably associated with the Tsumeb mine. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and association with secondary zinc minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrareRoselite Group family

Zincroselite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

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Is this zincroselite?

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 zincroselite with a known reference. Zincroselite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals.

Often confused with

Zincroselite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Roselite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zincroselite leaves white, Roselite leaves light red.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zincroselite leaves white, Wendwilsonite leaves pale pink.

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Often found alongside zincroselite

Minerals reported to co-occur with zincroselite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Zn(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.75 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to acicular crystals
Cleavage: {010}, good to perfect; {001}, traces
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rare secondary mineral in an oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit

Where rockhounds find zincroselite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in an oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit. If you start seeing tsumcorite, stranskiite, leiteite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zincroselite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is zincroselite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb, Namibia.

Is zincroselite safe to handle?+

Zincroselite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, wash hands after handling, and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like zincroselite?+

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

What minerals are found with zincroselite?+

Zincroselite commonly co-occurs with Tsumcorite, Stranskiite, Leiteite, Quartz, Tennantite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zincroselite form in?+

Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in an oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zincroselite used for?+

Zincroselite is used in collector.

Find zincroselite on the map

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