Brianyoungite is a secondary zinc mineral. the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) classifies it as a carbonate with the formula Zn₃(CO₃)(OH)₄, but sulphate groups SO₄ also occupy the carbonate CO₃ positions, in the ratio of about one sulphate to three carbonates, so other sources give the formula as Zn₃(CO₃,SO₄)(OH)₄, and Gaines et al classify the mineral as a compound carbonate. It is similar in appearance to hydrozincite, another zinc carbonate. It was discovered in 1991 and designated IMA1991-053. In 1993 it was named "brianyoungite" after Brian Young (b 1947), a field geologist with the British Geological Survey, who provided the first specimens.