How do I identify Tarbuttite?

Tarbuttite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, White color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Tarbuttite?

Tarbuttite typically appears in White, colourless, yellow, red green or brown; colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Tarbuttite?

Tarbuttite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Tarbuttite

A variety of Minerals

What is Tarbuttite?

Tarbuttite is a rare phosphate mineral with formula Zn2(PO4)(OH). It was discovered in 1907 in what is now Zambia and named for Percy Tarbutt.

Tarbuttite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Tarbuttite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Tarbuttite Localities Map

See where Tarbuttite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Composition of Tarbuttite

Zinc ions are surrounded by oxygen in a nearly perfect trigonal bipyramid and phosphate groups are tetrahedral. The crystal structure consists of zig-zag chains of Zn1 polyhedra linked by phosphate groups and pairs of Zn2 polyhedra. In each unit cell are two formula units of Zn2(PO4)(OH).

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: White, colourless, yellow, red green or brown; colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness (Mohs): 3.5
Density: 4.19 g/cm³
Streak: White