Outstanding white platy crystals of the extremely rare mineral gaitite from a locality in Mexico (Pitiquito Municipality, Sonora, Mexico). Gaitite is a Ca-Zn arsenate. Ex Vandenbroucke Museum collection specimen, from Waregem, Belgium. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Gaitite
Gaitite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula Ca₂Zn(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1). It is a member of the Fairfieldite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5; specific gravity 3.81; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Gt, IMA status: approved, named in 1978.
A very rare mineral from a deep oxidized zone in a dolostone-hosted, hydrothermal, polymetallic ore deposit.
It is found associated with Talmessite, prosperite, adamite, conichalcite, austinite, barite, quartz, chalcocite.
In honor of Dr. Robert Irwin Gait (1938–), South African-Canadian Curator of Mineralogy, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada.