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).

Skorpionite
Skorpionite
General
CategoryPhosphate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca3Zn2(PO4)2CO3(OH)2·H2O
IMA symbolSkr[1]
Strunz classification8.DO.45
Dana classification43.5.20.
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupB2/b
Unit cella = 19.042 Å, b = 9.309 Å
c = 6.519 Å; β = 92.72°; Z = 4
Identification
Colorcolorless
Crystal habitneedle-like crystals elongated parallel to [001]; bladed, sword-shaped
Fractureirregullar/ uneven
Tenacitybrittle
Mohs scale hardness3+12
Lustervitreous
Streakwhite
Diaphaneitytransparent
Density3.15 g/cm3
Optical propertiesBiaxial (-)
Refractive indexnα = 1.588 nβ = 1.645 nγ = 1.646
Birefringenceδ = 0.057
2V angle15.0° (measured)
References[2][3]

References

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  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ "Skorpionite: Skorpionite mineral information and data". mindat.org. Retrieved 2015-11-25.
  3. ^ 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.