Whitish crystal aggregates of the rare zinc silicate mineral zincsilite from Japan ( Horado Mine, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Honshu Island, Japan). Ex. F.Bauer collection. Ex. Erich Laskowski collection (USA). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY 4.0
Zincsilite
Zincsilite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Zn₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂·4H₂O.
It is a member of the Smectite-vermiculite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1.5–2; specific gravity 2.67–2.71; Pearly on cleavage luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Zs, IMA status: questionable, named in 1960.
Found in the zone of oxidation of a galena-sphalerite-chalcopyrite skarn deposit, as a pseudomorph after diopside.
It is found associated with Chrysocolla, fluorite, \opal, " manganese oxides.
The name refers to ZINC and SILicon in the composition.