There are 47 minerals that start with the letter Z. From Zabargadite to Zwifelite. Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a defined chemical composition and a crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are classified based on their chemical properties, crystal structure, and texture. Minerals form through a variety of geological processes, including crystallization from molten rock, precipitation from solutions, and metamorphism under high pressure and temperature. They are essential not only for geological processes but also for many industrial applications and are critical for life, serving as nutrients in biological systems.
An intriguing fact about minerals is that some larval insects use mineral particles from the environment to enhance their camouflage, adapting to their surroundings for protection against predators. This innovative use of minerals demonstrates the complex interactions between organisms and their natural habitats.
Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:
Column Name: This column indicates the specific chemical elements or compounds that make up the mineral, defining its identity and properties.
Mohs hardness: This column provides a numerical scale from 1 to 10 that ranks the hardness of the mineral based on its ability to scratch or be scratched by other substances.
Common uses: This column outlines the various applications or industries where the mineral is utilized, highlighting its practical importance in everyday life and technology.
Description: This column includes a brief overview of the mineral’s appearance, characteristics, and unique features, providing essential information for identification and understanding its role in geology and industry.
Minerals That Start With Z
| Minerals | chemical composition | Mohs hardness | common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zabargadite | Ca(UO2)2(V2O8)�6-8H2O | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | none |
| Zaccagnaite-2H | Zn6Al2(CO3)(OH)16�4-5H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used in the production of zinc-based coatings and pigments. |
| Zaccagnaite-3R | Zn6Al2(CO3)(OH)16�4-5H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used in the production of zinc-based coatings and pigments. |
| Zadovite | Zahnghamite | Zakharkinite | Zapatalite |
| Zakharovite | CuPS3 | 2-3(2.5) | research specimen |
| Zakutskite | NaCaMg(PO4)F | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Zalesiite | (Ca,Na)4(Si,Al)8O20�8H2O | 1-10(3.5) | none |
| Zambullonite | Pb2(OH,Cl)2CO3 | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | none |
| Zanazziite | CaUO2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | research specimen |
| Zangboite | NaMnSi2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | research specimen |
| Zapatalite | (Ca,Sr)(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 1-10(2.0) | none |
| Zaratite | NiCO3�6H2O | 2-3(2.5) | pigments, enamels |
| Zaslavskite | Ca(UO2)2(V2O8)�6-8H2O | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | none |
| Zasnicite | Ca2Cu3Si2O8(OH)4 | 1-10(4.0) | none |
| Zawiesite | Mn2+Mn3+2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | research specimen |
| Zektzerite | NaLiZrSi6O15 | 6-7(6.5) | Used as a gemstone, in the production of ceramics, and in nuclear waste immobilization. |
| Zellerite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�5-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used in uranium exploration and as a uranium ore mineral. |
| Zemannite | HgFe3+O2Cl | 3-4(3.5) | research specimen |
| Zemelinoite | (Ca,Na)2Mg2(Ti,Nb)4(O,OH)16�nH2O | 1-10(4.0) | none |
| Zemkorite | NaCa3(UO2)2(VO4)3�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | research specimen |
| Zeolite | (Na,Ca,K,Mg,Fe)Al(Si,Al)O4�nH2O | 3.5-6.0(4.75) | water softening, catalysts, adsorbents |
| Zeophyllite | Ca4(SiO4)(OH)2 | 1-10(5.0) | none |
| Zepharovich | V3+Fe3+O4 | 5-6(5.5) | research specimen |
| Zernite | Mn2+Fe3+2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | research specimen |
| Zeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2�8-12H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used in uranium exploration and as a uranium ore mineral. |
| Zeuschnerite | Cu3Cl(CO3)(OH)3 | 1-10(3.0) | none |
| Zhanghengite | Cr3+Fe3+O4 | 5.5-6.5(5.5) | Used in the production of chrome-based pigments and as a refractory material. |
| Zharchikhite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used in uranium exploration and as a uranium ore mineral. |
| Zhemchuzhnikovite | (NH4,K)Fe3+(SO4)2�6H2O | 2-3(2.5) | research specimen |
| Zhonghuacerite-(Ce) | (Ce,La,Nd,Pr)PO4 | 5-6(5.5) | research specimen |
| Ziesite | Ca2Mn3+2(SiO4)3(OH) | 5-6(5.5) | research specimen |
| Zimneyite | Ni2+Fe3+2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | research specimen |
| Zincaluminite | ZnAl2O4 | 8(8.0) | Used in the production of ceramics, refractory materials, and as a pigment. |
| Zincite | ZnO | 4-4.5(4.0) | Used in the production of rubber, ceramics, and electronics, as well as a pigment and dietary supplement. |
| Zinkenite | Pb9Sb22S42 | 3-4(3.5) | Used as a lead ore mineral and in the production of lead-based alloys. |
| Zippeite | (UO2)4(SO4)(OH)6�4H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used in uranium exploration and as a uranium ore mineral. |
| Zircon | ZrSiO4 | 7.5-8(7.5) | Used as a gemstone, in ceramics, refractories, and as a source of zirconium. |
| Zirconium | Zr | 6.5-7.5(7.0) | Used in nuclear reactors, as an alloying agent, and in the production of ceramics and refractories. |
| Zirkelite | (Ca,Ce,Th)(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | Used as a source of zirconium, titanium, and rare earth elements. |
| Zoisite | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6-7(6.5) | Used as a gemstone (e.g., tanzanite), in the production of ceramics, and as a source of aluminum. |
| Zolenskyite | Mn2+Mn3+2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | Used in the production of ferromanganese alloys and as a source of manganese. |
| Zoltaiite | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | 1-10(7.0) | none |
| Zorsite | (Ca,REE)5(SiO4,PO4)3(OH,F) | 1-10(5.0) | none |
| Zunyite | Al13Si5O20(OH,F)18Cl | 7-7.5(7.0) | Used in the production of ceramics, refractories, and as a source of aluminum. |
| Zussmanite | KMg2(Fe2+,Mg)4Al(Si13Al)O40(OH)8 | 4-5(4.5) | Used in the production of ceramics and as a source of potassium, magnesium, and iron. |
| Zwieselite | (Fe2+,Mn2+)Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 | 1-10(5.0) | none |
| Zwifelite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Used in uranium exploration and as a uranium ore mineral. |
Descriptions
Zabargadite
A secondary uranium vanadate mineral found in oxidized uranium ore deposits.
Zaccagnaite-2H
A rare hydrous zinc-aluminum carbonate mineral. It forms pale green to white tabular crystals or scaly aggregates.
Zaccagnaite-3R
A rare hydrous zinc-aluminum carbonate mineral, similar to Zaccagnaite-2H but with a different crystal structure.
Zadovite
Zhangpeishanite
Zakharovite
A copper-bearing thiophosphate mineral with a layered structure. It forms blue to green hexagonal crystals or foliated masses.
Zakutskite
A rare phosphate mineral found in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks.
Zalesiite
A rare hydrous calcium silicate mineral that forms white to yellow crystals or masses.
Zambullonite
A rare lead hydroxyl-chloro-carbonate mineral found in oxidized lead deposits.
Zanazziite
A uranyl vanadate mineral that forms pale green to yellow prismatic crystals. It is found in uranium-bearing deposits.
Zangboite
A manganese-bearing pyroxene mineral that forms dark green to black prismatic crystals or columnar aggregates.
Zapatalite
A rare uranyl vanadate mineral that forms yellow to orange prismatic crystals or powdery masses.
Zaratite
A nickel carbonate mineral that forms emerald-green encrustations or botryoidal masses. It is a minor ore of nickel.
Zaslavskite
A secondary uranium vanadate mineral found in oxidized uranium ore deposits.
Zasnicite
A rare copper-bearing calcium silicate hydroxide mineral that forms blue to green tabular crystals or masses.
Zawiesite
A manganese oxide mineral that forms black to brownish-black octahedral crystals or compact masses.
Zektzerite
A rare lithium-bearing sodium zirconium silicate mineral that forms yellow to green prismatic crystals.
Zellerite
A rare hydrous calcium uranyl vanadate mineral that typically forms yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals.
Zemannite
A mercury-bearing iron oxychloride mineral that forms yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals or massive aggregates.
Zemelinoite
A rare hydrous calcium, magnesium, titanium, and niobium oxide mineral that forms greenish-yellow or brown octahedral crystals.
Zemkorite
A uranyl vanadate mineral that forms yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals or nodular masses.
Zeolite
A group of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals with a porous, honeycomb-like structure.
Zeophyllite
A rare calcium silicate hydroxide mineral that forms colorless to white tabular or prismatic crystals.
Zepharovich
A vanadium-bearing magnetite mineral that forms black octahedral crystals or compact masses.
Zernite
A manganese-bearing spinel-group mineral that forms black to brownish-black octahedral crystals or compact masses.
Zeunerite
A rare hydrous copper uranyl arsenate mineral that forms green to yellow tabular crystals.
Zeuschnerite
A rare copper carbonate chloride hydroxide mineral that forms blue to green prismatic crystals or fibrous masses.
Zhanghengite
A rare chromium-bearing magnetite mineral that forms black octahedral crystals or granular masses.
Zharchikhite
A rare hydrous calcium uranyl vanadate mineral that typically forms yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals.
Zhemchuzhnikovite
An ammonium-bearing iron sulfate mineral that forms pale green to bluish-green prismatic crystals or efflorescent crusts.
Zhonghuacerite-(Ce)
A cerium-bearing phosphate mineral that forms yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals or compact masses.
Ziesite
A calcium-manganese silicate mineral that forms green to yellowish-green equant or prismatic crystals.
Zimneyite
A nickel-bearing spinel-group mineral that forms black octahedral crystals or compact masses.
Zincaluminite
A rare zinc aluminum oxide mineral that typically forms white to pale green octahedral crystals or grains.
Zincite
A rare zinc oxide mineral that typically forms red to yellow-orange hexagonal crystals or massive forms.
Zinkenite
A rare lead antimony sulfide mineral that typically forms black to dark gray prismatic crystals or massive forms.
Zippeite
A rare hydrous uranyl sulfate mineral that typically forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals or crusts.
Zircon
A common zirconium silicate mineral that typically forms reddish-brown to yellow-brown tetragonal crystals.
Zirconium
A lustrous, gray-white, strong transition metal that is highly resistant to corrosion. It is found in the mineral zircon.
Zirkelite
A rare calcium, cerium, and thorium titanium niobate mineral that typically forms brown to black cubic or octahedral crystals.
Zoisite
A common calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral that typically forms blue, green, or colorless prismatic crystals.
Zolenskyite
A rare manganese oxide mineral that typically forms black octahedral crystals or granular masses.
Zoltaiite
A rare calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral that forms colorless to white prismatic or tabular crystals.
Zorsite
A rare calcium and rare earth element silicate/phosphate mineral that forms white to pale yellow prismatic crystals.
Zunyite
A rare aluminum silicate hydroxide chloride mineral that typically forms colorless to white cubic crystals or massive forms.
Zussmanite
A rare potassium, magnesium, and iron-bearing aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral that typically forms green to brown prismatic crystals.
Zwieselite
A rare iron and manganese phosphate mineral that forms brown to greenish brown prismatic or tabular crystals.
Zwifelite
A rare hydrous calcium uranyl vanadate mineral that typically forms yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals.
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