Hydrozincite
Image: Stephen E. Fritz (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameHydrozincite
Chemical FormulaZn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆
Mohs Hardness2
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusterdull
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {100}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.5
Colorswhite, gray, yellowish, brownish
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityFranklin Mine, Franklin, Franklin Mining District, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesminor ore of zinc, collector's mineral, fluorescent mineral
Associated Mineralszincite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, cerussite
Rarityuncommon
Description
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.
Geological 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.
