Zincalstibite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral typically found as small, colorless, platy crystals in metamorphic carbonate deposits. It is primarily a collector's mineral and requires careful identification through analytical techniques due to its similarity to other hydrotalcite-group members.
Is this zincalstibite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch zincalstibite with a known reference. Zincalstibite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Zincalstibite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zincalstibite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincalstibite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₂AlSb(OH)₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In cavities in marble likely an alteration product of different sulfides (sphalerite, zinkenite, stibioluzonite) by low-temperature Al-rich hydrothermal fluids (1T)
Where rockhounds find zincalstibite
Classic worldwide localities
- Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In cavities in marble likely an alteration product of different sulfides (sphalerite, zinkenite, stibioluzonite) by low-temperature Al-rich hydrothermal fluids (1T). If you start seeing mimetite, opal, cyanophyllite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincalstibite?+
Where is zincalstibite found?+
Is zincalstibite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like zincalstibite?+
What minerals are found with zincalstibite?+
What kind of rock does zincalstibite form in?+
What is zincalstibite used for?+
Find zincalstibite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
