Zincobotryogen

Zincobotryogen is a hydrous sulfate mineral with formula (Zn,Mg,Mn)Fe³⁺(SO₄)₂(OH)·7H₂O. It forms bright orange red monoclinic prismatic crystals that exhibit a vitreous to greasy luster. Its specific gravity is 2.201 and it has a Mohs hardness of 2.5.

Additional recommended knowledge

Guide to balance cleaning: 8 simple steps

Correct Test Weight Handling Guide: 12 Practical Tips

Daily Visual Balance Check

It is a rare secondary mineral which forms in arid climates by alteration of other zinc minerals. It was named for its zinc content and it relationship to botryogen. It has been reported from the Xitieshan Mine, Qinghai, Northwest Region, China; Rammelsberg mine, near Goslar, Harz Mountains, Germany; the Bisbee district of Arizona and various mines in Colorado.

References

• Mineral data Pub. 2001
• Webmineral data
• Mindat with locality data