How do I identify Zunyite?

Zunyite can be identified by its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Zunyite?

Zunyite typically appears in Colourless, grey, white, flesh-red. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Zunyite has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.

Zunyite

A variety of Minerals

What is Zunyite?

Zunyite is a sorosilicate mineral, Al13Si5O20(OH,F)18Cl, composed of aluminium, silicon, hydrogen, chlorine, oxygen, and fluorine.

Zunyite Market Value Calculator

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

Zunyite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

Although zunyite was officially discovered as late as 1884, tiny crystals have been located in pots that were placed within excavated graves in the Mayan city of Uaxactun in Guatamala. It is thought that ancient peoples believed zunyite was a worthy offering to the dead as it was rare and from far away. Zunyite is also thought to have been used as a paint in Mayan culture.

Key Characteristics

Formation of Zunyite

Zunyite occurs in highly aluminous shales and hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks. It occurs in association with pyrophyllite, kaolinite, alunite, diaspore, rutile, pyrite, hematite and quartz. It was discovered in 1884, and named for its discovery site, the Zuni mine in the Silverton District, San Juan County, Colorado.