Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.mindat.org/user-4979.html#0">Stephen E. Fritz</a> (CC BY 3.0)
monoclinicuncommonCarbonates
Hydrozincite
Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆
Hydrozincite typically appears as white, dull, and earthy coatings or massive aggregates, often botryoidal or stalactitic. In this image, it forms a white, somewhat botryoidal crust over reddish-orange zincite.
Hydrozincite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
dullStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {100}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.5Colors
white, gray, yellowish, brownishTransparency
translucentType Locality
Franklin Mine, Franklin, Franklin Mining District, Sussex County, New Jersey, USAMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
minor ore of zinc, collector's mineral, fluorescent mineralAssociated Minerals
zincite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, cerussiteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Hydrozincite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zones of zinc ore deposits, resulting from the alteration of primary zinc minerals like sphalerite. It often occurs in limestone or dolomite environments.
