Sky blue scottyite crystals in a contrasting matrix from the famous Eifel quarries (Graulai Quarry, Hillesheim, Eifel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany). Analyzed specimen. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Scottyite
A barium-copper silicate from South Africa's Wessels mine — named, unusually, for Apple's first CEO Michael Scott.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Scottyite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula BaCu₂Si₂O₇.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pnma).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4–5; specific gravity 4.63; Pale blue streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Sty, IMA status: approved, named in 2012.
Likely of hydrothermal origin in a metamorphosed manganese deposit.
It is found associated with Wesselsite, pectolite, richterite, sugilite, lavinskyite.
The mineral was named to honor Michael M. Scott “Scotty”, the co-founder and first CEO of Apple Computer Corporation (February 1977 to March 1981).