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

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareRoselite Group family

Zincroselite

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

No image

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 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincroselite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zincroselite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
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.

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: 3.5
Density: 3.66 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Acicular Crystals
Cleavage: Good On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Carbonate Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zincroselite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Bou Azzer, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in carbonate rocks country, the host setting where zincroselite typically forms. If you start seeing adamite, conichalcite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zincroselite?+

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

Where is zincroselite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia; Bou Azzer, Morocco.

How much is zincroselite worth?+

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

Is zincroselite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, wash hands after handling, and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Adamite, Conichalcite, Smithsonite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zincroselite form in?+

Zincroselite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in carbonate rocks. 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.