The facts
What zincite actually is
The species behind zincite is zincite, ZnO; it forms in the hexagonal system.
Mn and Fe substituting for Zn; pure ZnO is colourless is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 2.013–2.029 and a specific gravity of about 5.4–5.7, with perfect {0001}, parting {1011} cleavage.
Where zincite comes from
Commercial material comes from Franklin and Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA, Tsumeb, Namibia and Olkusz, Poland (smelter material).
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How zincite is treated
The brilliant red, orange and green 'zincite' crystals from Polish zinc smelters are accidental industrial by-products, not natural minerals, and dominate the faceted market — this should always be disclosed. Natural Franklin zincite is deep red and almost never transparent.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What zincite is confused with
Watch for Polish smelter zincite (man-made), Cuprite, Sphalerite and Wulfenite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 2.013–2.029 and specific gravity 5.4–5.7 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What zincite is used for
The trades that buy zincite are mineral collecting and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Zincite is 4 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {0001}, parting {1011} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What zincite costs
Expect roughly Natural Franklin specimens $50–$1,500; Polish smelter crystals $10–$100, faceted $20–$80/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is zincite treated, and how?
The brilliant red, orange and green 'zincite' crystals from Polish zinc smelters are accidental industrial by-products, not natural minerals, and dominate the faceted market — this should always be disclosed. Natural Franklin zincite is deep red and almost never transparent.
Where does zincite come from?
Franklin and Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA, Tsumeb, Namibia and Olkusz, Poland (smelter material). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is zincite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does zincite cost?
Indicatively Natural Franklin specimens $50–$1,500; Polish smelter crystals $10–$100, faceted $20–$80/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is zincite confused with?
Most often Polish smelter zincite (man-made), Cuprite, Sphalerite and Wulfenite. A refractive index of 2.013–2.029 and a specific gravity near 5.4–5.7 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for zincite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about zincite