Zincite
Zincite
Published: June 2014
The majority of gem-quality zincite in the market is the byproduct of Polish metal refineries where the material crystallized in the factory smokestacks and was then harvested during cleaning. Zincite can also be found naturally in a few localities, most notably associated with metamorphosed zinc ore bodies in Sterling, New Jersey, though the crystals are rarely of gem quality.
General Information
Common Name
Zincite
Species
Zincite
Transparency
Transparent - Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.127
Refractive Index
Over The Limit 2.013-2.029
Birefringence
0.016
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert to moderate yellow to orange or yellow-green
LWUV: Inert to moderate yellow to yellow-orange
LWUV: Inert to moderate yellow to yellow-orange
CCF Reaction
Yellow: Inert to yellowish-green; Orange stone: weak pink; Reddish-orange: moderate red
Pleochroism
Unobservable
Hardness
4
Streak
Orange-Yellow
Specific Gravity
5.640-5.680
Toughness
Poor
Luster
SubAdamantine
Fracture
Subconchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect, in one direction
Chemical Name
zinc manganese oxide
Chemical Formula
(Zn,Mn2+)O
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Chemistry Classification
Oxide
Zincite Colors
-
Orange -
Red
Alternate Names
Red-Zinc Ore
Countries of Origin
Unknown; United States of America