Crystopedia
IMA mineral species

Zincite

🪶 Soft, Scratches Easily

ZnO

Oxide mineral.

RedOrangeYellowGreenWhite & Clear

Zincite specimen
Zincite from Arizona.jpg · Wikimedia Commons (see file page for author & license)

Properties

⛏ Mohs hardness4
12345678910
💅🪙🍶🔪💎

A steel knife scratches it, it won't scratch glass.

⚖ Density5.704 g/cm³
Very heavy
🔷 Hexagonal
Chemical formulaZnO
ElementsZn, O
Crystal systemHexagonal
Mohs hardness4
Density5.704 g/cm³
Streak—
Color—
IMA symbolZnc
Nickel–Strunz class4.AB.20

“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.

Care & Handling

  • 🪶 Soft, Scratches Easily Mohs 4: softer than a steel knife, so it scratches easily. Store it apart from harder stones.

🌍 Where it's found

Type locality (where it was first described): Franklin, United States · Sterling Hill, United States · Sterling Hill, United States

  • Type locality
  • Notable source / deposit
  • Country of origin

Marker positions are approximate (region or locality level). Type localities from Wikidata; notable sources curated by Crystopedia.

Learn more