Crystal Zincite

Chemical Formula

ZnO

Composition

Zinc oxide, almost always with small amounts of manganese and iron
 

Variable Formula

(Zn,Mn,Fe)O

Color

Deep orange-red, bright orange, yellowish-orange, dark brownish-red

Streak

Orange yellow

Hardness

4

Crystal System

Hexagonal

Crystal Forms 
and Aggregates

Crystals of Zincite are rare. When they do occur, they are in small pyramidal hexagonal crystals with a pointed termination on one end and flattened base on the other end. Pyramidal faces tend to be horizontally striated. Crystals are usually associated with massive or grainy Zincite. Most crystals are crudely formed; well-formed crystals are very uncommon. Most often massive, encrusting, and grainy.
 

Transparency

Translucent. Rarely transparent.

Specific Gravity

5.4 - 5.7

Luster

Adamantine to resinous

Cleavage

1,1; Also exhibits basal parting.

Fracture

Conchoidal to uneven

Tenacity

Brittle

Other ID Marks

Lacks fluorescence
 

In Group

Oxides; Simple Oxides

Striking Features

Color, mineral association, and locality

Environment

In zinc-rich zones of metamorphosed marble.
 

Rock Type

Metamorphic

Popularity (1-4)

3

Prevalence (1-3)

3

Demand (1-3)

2