Skorpionite Locality: Skorpion Mine, Rosh Pinah , Lüderitz District, Karas Region , Namibia ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 6.2 x 4 x 2.5 cm. An attractive specimen of the new species, Skorpionite. The clear-white crystals grow in beautiful sprays of needles to several mm, and the radial sprays are very rich throughout the pockets in the specimen (which is tarbuttite mixed with host rock). The Skorpionite has a beautiful yellow fluorescence. Ex. Charlie Key Collection. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Skorpionite
A calcium-zinc phosphate-carbonate from Namibia's Skorpion mine.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Skorpionite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Ca₃Zn₂(PO₄)₂(CO₃)(OH)₂·H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5; specific gravity 3.15; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Skr, IMA status: approved, named in 2005.
Found as a secondary mineral in an oxidized non-sulfide zinc deposit formed by weathering of sediment- and volcanic-hosted disseminated sulfide minerals.
It is found associated with Tarbuttite, hydrozincite, gypsum.
The name refers to the locality from which the first specimens were obtained.