Mineral Guide · Mineral

Hydrozincite

Hydrozincite is a soft secondary zinc carbonate, commonly forming white silky crusts and botryoidal coatings above sphalerite deposits.

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Crystal structure

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Mineral properties

Formula: Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆
Class: Carbonates
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Typical colours: green, yellow, colourless, white, blue
Lustre: Dull, Pearly, Silky
Hardness: 2.00-2.50
Specific gravity: 3.50-3.80
Crystal habit: Botryoidal, Earthy, Fibrous
Origin: oxidised zinc deposits, mine workings, caves and carbonate-rich weathering zones

What is Hydrozincite?

Hydrozincite is a soft secondary zinc carbonate, commonly forming white silky crusts and botryoidal coatings above sphalerite deposits.

Mineralogy and structure

Reference formula: Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆. Hydrozincite is a hydrated hydroxyl carbonate with a monoclinic structure. It commonly occurs with smithsonite and hemimorphite, and its fine fibrous surfaces are easily damaged. Hydrozincite belongs to the carbonates and has a monoclinic crystal system. Typical hardness is 2–2.5 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.5–3.8.

Colour and appearance

Typical colours include white, colourless, blue, green, yellow. The usual botryoidal, fibrous, earthy habit and pearly, silky, dull lustre are useful descriptive features, but colour alone is not diagnostic.

Formation and localities

Hydrozincite forms in or is associated with oxidised zinc deposits, mine workings, caves and carbonate-rich weathering zones. Important documented localities include the United States, Mexico, Italy, Namibia, Australia and Slovakia.

Collecting and care

Very soft and acid-sensitive; keep dry, avoid scratching and do not clean with acids.

Sources and editorial review

Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026

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