Ianbruceite Field of view: 3 mm Locality: Potts Gill, Caldbeck, Cumbria, United Kingdom — Photo: Henk Smeets – tomeikminerals.com · CC BY 4.0
Ianbruceite
A rare hydrated zinc arsenate approved in 2011, named for Ian Bruce, the dealer who championed the Tsumeb mine's specimens.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Ianbruceite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula Zn₂(AsO₄)(OH)(H₂O)·2H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/c).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1; specific gravity 3.197; White streak; Vitreous luster; refractive index 1.641; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ibc, IMA status: approved, named in 2011.
Found as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a polymetallic sulfide deposit.
It is found associated with Leiteite, köttigite, legrandite, adamite.
The mineral was named to honor Ian Bruce (b. 1969) for significant contributions to the mineral collections of museums worldwide and for his role in reopening the Tsumeb mine for mineral collecting.