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.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Tarbuttite 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.
Tarbuttite Localities Map
See where Tarbuttite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Zn2(PO4)(OH)
- Elements
- H, O, P, Zn
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Tarbuttite FAQs
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.
What is the composition of tarbuttite 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).
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