Reference

Gunningite, a mineral discovered by J.L. Jambor and R.W. Boyle in 1962, is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a rare zinc sulfate mineral typically occurring in dry environments. It was identified in the Keno Hill – Galena Hill area in the Yukon, Canada, an area known for its rich mineral deposits. This discovery contributed to the understanding of mineralogy in that region.

Gunningite belongs to the Kieserite group of minerals. Its chemical formula is ZnSO₄·H₂O, indicating it is composed of zinc, sulfur, and oxygen, with water molecules integrated into its structure. This makes it notable in the study of secondary mineral formations, especially those arising from the oxidation of zinc-bearing sulfides.

The mineral’s discovery added to the catalog of known zinc sulfates and provided insights into how such minerals form and exist in nature. Additionally, it has implications for environmental studies, particularly in understanding the geochemistry of mining districts and the weathering processes of zinc ores.

For more information, you can refer to the detailed description on Mindat.org: Gunningite Mineral Information.

Here is an image of gunningite: