Mineralpedia Details for Zincite
Zincite
Named for the Zinc in its composition, crystals of this mineral are rare and as a result synthetic crystals are widespread. Relatively common, Zincite is a primary constituent of metamorphosed orebodies such as the stratiform zinc deposit of Franklin and Sterling Hill in New Jersey, USA. Also found as an altered, secondary mineral in oxidized zones of ore deposits rich in zinc. Additionally, Zincite is product of volcanism. Interestingly, Zincite is found at the Tonopah-Belmont mine in Arizona, USA as the result of a fire in the mine. Rarely, Zincite will fluoresce pale yellow under long-wave ultraviolet light.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/zincite.pdf
- Formula
- ZnO
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
- Crystal Habit
- Massive - Fibrous, Granular, Disseminated
- Cleavage
- Perfect, None, None
- Luster
- Sub Metallic
- Color
- yellow, dark yellow, dark red, orange
- Streak
- yellowish orange
- Class
- Hexagonal - Dihexagonal Pyramidal
- Fracture
- Sub Conchoidal
- Hardness
- 4-5
- WebMineral
- View Zincite
- Mindat
- View Zincite
Zincite from Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey, United States
Bright red micro crystals of Zincite to 0.75mm.
Click thumbnail images for larger view.
Zincite from Sterling Hill mine, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey, United States
Bright orange spherical crystal aggregates of secondary Zincite to 0.75mm.
Click thumbnail images for larger view.
