Minrecordite (colorless) und Dioptase (green) - Locality: Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia - collected 1979, field of view 10 mm — Photo: Joachim Esche · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Minrecordite
A very rare calcium-zinc member of the dolomite group, found associated with dioptase at Tsumeb.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Minrecordite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the carbonate class, with the chemical formula CaZn(CO₃)₂.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R-3). It is a member of the Calcite-Dolomite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5; specific gravity 3.45; Vitreous to pearly luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Mrd, IMA status: approved, named in 1980.
Found in a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit (Tsumeb, Namibia); from the wallrock of a carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn orebody (Navan deposit, Ireland).
It is found associated with Dioptase, duftite, malachite, cerussite, zincian dolomite, calcite (Tsumeb, Namibia); sphalerite, pyrite, melnikovite, magnesian calcite, dolomite, calcite.
The name refers to the MINeralogical RECORD magazine, in recognition of that journal’s contributions to a beneficial interaction between professional and amateur mineralogists.