Zincite

Zincite is the mineral form of zinc oxide (ZnO).

Its crystal form is rare in nature; a notable exception to this is at the Franklin and Sterling Hill Mines in New Jersey, an area also famed for its many fluorescent minerals.

It has a hexagonal crystal structure and a color that depends on the presence of impurities.

The zincite found at the Franklin Furnace is red-colored, mostly due to iron and manganese dopants, and associated with willemite and franklinite.

Synthetic crystals can be colorless or can range in color from dark red, orange, or yellow to light green.

Microscopic image of Zincite and Franklinite under normal light
Synthetic zincite crystals