Hopeite - Encyclopedia
Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
Subclass : Hydrated phosphates
Crystal system : Orthorhombic
Chemistry : Zn3(PO4)2 4H2O
Rarity : Rare
Hopeite is a rare zinc phosphate, it is a secondary mineral present in the oxidation zone of zinc deposits, along with smithsonite, hemimorphite and parahopeite. It was named in honor of the Scottish chemist Thomas Charles Hope, Professor at the University of Edinburgh. Hopeite forms tabular or prismatic crystals frequently grouped in parallel aggregates, more rarely kidney-shaped masses. Colorless to grayish white, sometimes pale yellow, or red if colored by iron oxides, it has perfect cleavage which helps in its determination.
Main photo : Hopeite from Kabwe Mine, Zambia © Rock Currier
Hopeite in the World
Fakes and treatments
No fakes recorded for this mineral species.
Hardness : 3.5
Density : 3 to 3.1
Fracture : Irregular
Streak : White
TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.572 to 1.592
Birefringence : 0.018
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : None
Solubility : Hydrochloric acid
Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None