Zincocopiapite
Zincocopiapite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula ZnFe³⁺₄(SO₄)₆(OH)₂·20H₂O.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1). It is a member of the Copiapite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 2.181; Vitreous, pearly to greasy luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Zcpi, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1964.
A rare secondary mineral formed in the oxidation zone of a Pb–Zn deposit in a very arid climate (Xitieshan mine, China); a precipitate from thermal hot springs (Kopet-Dag Mountains, Turkmenistan).
It is found associated with Copiapite, halotrichite, coquimbite, römerite, sideronatrite, melanterite (Xitieshan mine, China); sulfur, gypsum, calcite, pyrite, sphalerite, quartz.
The name refers to its dominant content of zinc and relation to copiapite.