Fraipontite
A variety of Serpentine
What is Fraipontite?
Fraipontite is a zinc aluminium silicate mineral with a formula of (Zn,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4. It is a member of the kaolinite-serpentine mineral group and occurs as an oxidation product of zinc deposits. It occurs with smithsonite, gebhardite, willemite, cerussite and sauconite. It was first described in 1927 for an occurrence in Vieille Montagne, Verviers, Liège Province, Belgium. It was named for Julien Jean Joseph de Fraipont (1857–1910), and Charles de Fraipont, geologists of Liege, Belgium. In addition to the type locality in Belgium, it has been reported from Tsumeb, Namibia; Laurium, Greece; Swaledale, North Yorkshire, England; the Silver Bill mine, Cochise County, Arizona, the Blanchard Mine, Socorro County, New Mexico and the Mohawk mine, San Bernardino County, California in the US; and from the Ojuela mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico. A synonym of the fraipontite is the zinalsite, which was reported in 1956 for an occurrence in Kazakhstan.
Healing Properties
Fraipontite's supposed strong connection with Mother Earth may strengthen your bonds with the environment around you - try meditating outside with this stone. Fraipontite isn't believed to work with just one chakra; it aligns them all, creating coherence and calm throughout the body. It is, however, believed to have a particular connection with the crown chakra, enhancing wisdom and retrieving lost memories.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Fraipontite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Fraipontite Localities Map
See where Fraipontite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Yellowish white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.49 g/cm³
- Streak
- White, pale green
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Zn,Al)3((Si,Al)2O5)(OH)4 May contain some Cu.
- Elements
- Al, H, O, Si, Zn
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Fraipontite FAQs
How do I identify Fraipontite?
Fraipontite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Yellowish white color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Fraipontite?
Fraipontite typically appears in Yellowish white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Fraipontite?
Fraipontite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
