Mineral Database (Saesneg yn unig)

Mineral Database (Saesneg yn unig)
Mineralogy of Wales

Goslarite

Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Formula: ZnSO4.7H2O
Status of Occurrence: Confirmed Occurrence
Distribution: Rare
Chemical Composition: Zinc sulphate hydrate
Method(s) of Verification: method of verification is unknown, but numerous early references suggest that sufficient confirmation had been made
Chemical Group:
  • Sulphates
Geological Context:
  • Supergene : post-mining oxidation & weathering deposits
Introduction: goslarite is a secondary mineral that typically forms efflorescent crusts as a result of the oxidation of sphalerite in old mine workings.
Occurrence in Wales: Sowerby (1811) described and illustrated sulphate of zinc found at Holywell in Flintshire. Phillips (1823) noted sulphate of zinc or white vitriol at the same locality while Greg & Lettsom (1858) directly refer to goslarite at Holywell. Although no analyses are known the inclusion within these high profile texts would suggest that this identification is reliable.
Key Localities:
  • Holywell, Flintshire: white coatings on red earthy oxide of iron. Sowerby (1811) notes that it has not been observed crystallized.
References:
  • Greg, R.P. & Lettsom, W.G., 1858 Manual of the Mineralogy of Great Britain and Ireland.  John van Voorst, London, 483pp.
  • Phillips, W., 1823 An elementary introduction to the knowledge of Mineralogy.  3rd edition. London. 406pp.
  • Sowerby, J., 1811 British Mineralogy.  Volume IV, Richard Taylor, London.