Hopeite
Mineral Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O
About it
Colourless to greyish glassy crystals in oxidized zinc deposits, a classic from Kabwe (Broken Hill) in Zambia. Named for Scottish chemist Thomas Charles Hope.
- Type
- Mineral
- Group
- Phosphate
- Formula
- Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3–3.5
- Specific gravity
- 3–3.1
- Streak
- white
- Lustre
- vitreous (glassy), pearly
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Colours
- colourless, white, pale yellow, grey
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Cleavage and fracture
- perfect in one direction
Typical values: real specimens vary. For more, see mindat.org.