Zincite
Octagon zincite
5.06 carats
© Rarestone.com
Zincite is also known as a natural mineral (in particular, fine specimens have been found at the Franklin/Sterling Hill deposit in New Jersey), but these are generally not gem quality, although they are occasionally cut as opaque orange-red to very dark red cabochons, which can reach 295 carats or more in weight. (Keep in mind that the high density means that gems will be smaller size than one would expect from the carat weight.)
The name is derived from its zinc content.
Zincite Gemstones by Colour
This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
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Zincite Gemstones by Size
This table shows distribution of Zincite gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:0.14 cts
Heaviest:19.14 cts
Average:12.21 cts
Total photos:8
Do you have a larger Zincite? Why not upload a photo?
| General Information | |||||||||||
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| Chemical Formula |
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| Photos of natural/un-cut material from mindat.org | |||||||||||
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| Physical Properties of Zincite | |||||||||||
| Mohs Hardness | 4, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) NaturalMore from other references | ||||||||||
| Specific Gravity | 5.50 to 5.90, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references | ||||||||||
| Tenacity | Brittle, Management Team (2012) | ||||||||||
| Cleavage Quality | Perfect, Gemstones (2009) | ||||||||||
| Fracture | Sub-Conchoidal, Gemstones (2009) | ||||||||||
| Optical Properties of Zincite | |||||||||||
| Refractive Index | 2.013 to 2.029, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) NaturalMore from other references | ||||||||||
| Optical Character | Uniaxial, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references | ||||||||||
| Birefringence | 0.016, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references | ||||||||||
| Pleochroism | Very weak, in two tones of body colour, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) | ||||||||||
| Dispersion | Low, Gemstones (2009) | ||||||||||
| Colour | |||||||||||
| Colour (General) | Medium-light yellow, medium orange, medium-dark reddish-orange, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references | ||||||||||
| Colour (Chelsea Filter) | Yellow stone: no reaction (appears yellowish-green). Orange stone: weak pink. Reddish-orange stone: moderate red, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) | ||||||||||
| Transparency | Transparent, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) More from other references | ||||||||||
| Lustre | Subadamantine, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) | ||||||||||
| Fluorescence & other light emissions | |||||||||||
| Fluorescence (General) | LW > SW; both universely propotional to depth of body colour, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) | ||||||||||
| Fluorescence (Short Wave UV) | Inert to very weak to moderate, yellow to orange, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) | ||||||||||
| Fluorescence (Long-Wave UV) | Very weak to moderate, yellow to yellow-orange, The Journal of Gemmology (1995) | ||||||||||
| Crystallography of Zincite | |||||||||||
| Crystal System | Hexagonal, Gemstones (2009) | ||||||||||
| Habit | Usually massive, foliated; also compact granular, and in rounded irregular masses., Management Team (2012) More from other references | ||||||||||
| Geological Environment | |||||||||||
| Where found: | Occurs as a primary mineral in metamorphosed stratiform zinc ore bodies., Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) | ||||||||||
| Further Information | |||||||||||
| Mineral information: | Zincite information at mindat.org | ||||||||||
| Significant Gem Localities | |||||||||||
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