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Sulfate

Zincaluminite

(Zn₁₋ₓAlₓ)(SO₄)ₓ/₂(OH)₂·nH₂O (x 3x/2)
Hardness2.5–3
ClassSulfate
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Zincaluminite specimen

Bluish-white aggregates of the rare mineral zinaluminite in a small matrix. From: Letmathe, Iserlohn, Sauerland, North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0

Zincaluminite

Zincaluminite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula (Zn₁₋ₓAlₓ)(SO₄)ₓ/₂(OH)₂·nH₂O (x 3x/2).

It is a member of the Woodwardite structural group.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5–3; specific gravity 2.26; optically uniaxial.

IMA symbol Zna, IMA status: questionable, named in 1881.

A rare secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of a Ag–Zn mine.

It is found associated with Smithsonite, aurichalcite, hydrozincite, serpierite, cyanotrichite, azurite, cuproadamite, agardite-(La), calcite, chrysocolla, gibbsite.

The name refers to zinc and aluminum in the composition, and its similarity to aluminite.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more Z minerals or help write this entry.