Zincite

Description

Naturally occurring translucent orange to red color mineral of oxide zinc oxide that contains traces of manganese. Large quantities of zincite have been found in Poland, Italy (Tuscany), Spain, Germany (Saxony), Tasmania and the U.S. (New Jersey). Deep red zincite stones obtained in New Jersey are sometimes cut into gems for costume jewelry. Fluorescent zinc glass is prepared with crushed zincite.

Synonyms and Related Terms

red zinc ore; red zinc oxide; zincite (Fr., Port.); Zinkoxid (Deut.); zinkiet (Ned.)

Raman

Other Properties

Hexagonal crystal system. Perfect cleavage in one direction. Usually massive.

Fracture = conchoidal. Luster = adamantine. Streak = orange-yellow

Composition	ZnO
Mohs Hardness	4.0
Density	5.4-5.7

Additional Information

Mineralogy Database: Zincite

Authority

• G.S.Brady, G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 889

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "zincite" Encyclopdia Britannica Premium Service. [Accessed 20 Sept. 2005].

• C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zincite (Accessed Sept. 20, 2005)