Skorpionite

Skorpionite

Skorpionite
General
Category Phosphate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca3Zn2(PO4)2CO3(OH)2·H2O
Strunz classification 8.DO.45
Dana classification 43.5.20.
Crystal system Monoclinic
Unit cell a = 19.042 Å, b = 9.309 Å
c = 6.519 Å; β = 92.72°; Z = 4
Identification
Color colorless
Crystal habit needle-like crystals elongated parallel to [001]; bladed, sword-shaped
Crystal symmetry Monoclinic - prismatic
H-M symbol (2/m)
Space group: B2/b
Fracture irregullar/ uneven
Tenacity brittle
Mohs scale hardness
Luster vitreous
Streak white
Diaphaneity transparent
Density 3.15 g/cm3
Optical properties Biaxial (-)
Refractive index nα = 1.588 nβ = 1.645 nγ = 1.646
Birefringence δ = 0.057
2V angle 15.0° (measured)
References [1][2]

Skorpionite (IMA2005-010) is a zinc phosphate mineral with chemical formula Ca3Zn2(PO4)2CO3(OH)2·H2O, originally found in the Skorpion Mine and named after it (Rosh Pinah, Lüderitz district, ǁKaras Region, Namibia).

References

  1. "Skorpionite: Skorpionite mineral information and data.". mindat.org. Retrieved 2015-11-25.
  2. Anthony, John W.; Bideaux, Richard A.; Bladh, Kenneth W.; et al., eds. (1990–2013). "Skorpionite" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. Chantilly, VA: Mineralogical Society of America.
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