Zunyite is a rare aluminum silicate mineral highly prized by collectors for its distinct, sharp tetrahedral crystal habit. It is typically found in hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks and is often associated with other clay-like minerals in compact, small-sized specimens.
Is this zunyite?
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 zunyite with a known reference. Zunyite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zunyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zunyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow, pale pink, reddish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: isometric. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, often with rounded edges or complex striations.
Often found alongside zunyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zunyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₁₃Si₅O₂₀(OH,F)₁₈Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.87-2.90 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Isometric
- Crystal habit
- Tetrahedral Crystals, Often with Rounded Edges or Complex Striations
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {111}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermally Altered Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small, high-quality tetrahedral specimens
Where rockhounds find zunyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Zuni Mine, Colorado, USA
- Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
- Postmasburg, South Africa
- Algeria
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where zunyite typically forms. If you start seeing kaolinite, pyrophyllite, diaspore in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral crystals, often with rounded edges or complex striations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find zunyite on the map
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