Zaïrite
A variety of Plumbogummite Group
What is Zaïrite?
Zaïrite is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula Bi(Fe,Al)3[(OH)6|(PO4)2]. The name was given from where it was locally discovered in Eta-Etu, Kivu, Congo (Zaïre) in 1975.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Zaïrite 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.
Zaïrite Localities Map
See where Zaïrite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Zaïrite
Zaïrite crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, which means it contains three equal horizontal axes with angles of 120° between them. The mineral has a trigonal-hexagonal scalenohedron shape. Zairite belongs to the uniaxial optical class. It means the light and vibrations passing through the mineral only has one direction it follows and it travels at the same speed.
Formation of Zaïrite
The mineral was first described from the Eta-Etu district, northern Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire) usually in the weathering areas of quartz wolframite deposits where it occurs with native bismuth, bismutite, quartz and mica. Zaïrite is found in granite pegmatites, which are igneous coarse-grained rocks. It has also been reported from Kreuzberg Mountain in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Green, light olive green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.42 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- BiFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)6
- Elements
- Bi, Fe, H, O, P
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Zaïrite FAQs
How do I identify Zaïrite?
Zaïrite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, Green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Zaïrite?
Zaïrite typically appears in Green, light olive green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Zaïrite?
Zaïrite has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of zaïrite of Zaïrite?
Zaïrite crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, which means it contains three equal horizontal axes with angles of 120° between them. The mineral has a trigonal-hexagonal scalenohedron shape. Zairite belongs to the uniaxial optical class. It means the light and vibrations passing through the mineral only has one direction it follows and it travels at the same speed.
What is the formation of zaïrite of Zaïrite?
The mineral was first described from the Eta-Etu district, northern Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire) usually in the weathering areas of quartz wolframite deposits where it occurs with native bismuth, bismutite, quartz and mica. Zaïrite is found in granite pegmatites, which are igneous coarse-grained rocks. It has also been reported from Kreuzberg Mountain in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany.
