Scholzite , Switzerite Locality: Reaphook Hill, Martins Well, South Flinders Ranges, Flinders Ranges , South Australia , Australia ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 4.2 x 3.1 x 2.7 cm. An exceptionally rich example of this rare phosphate species (Ca and Zn-containing), from the classic locality for collectors if not the type locality itself. This piece has acicular crystals to over 1 cm, some of them translucent, perched dramatically atop. Ex. Martin Zinn Collection. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Switzerite
A hydrated manganese phosphate of pegmatites, named for Smithsonian curator George Switzer.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Switzerite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Mn²⁺₃(PO₄)₂·7H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/a).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 2.535; Vitreous, pearly on {001} luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Swt, IMA status: approved, named in 1966.
Found in complex zoned granite pegmatites.
It is found associated with Metaswitzerite, vivianite (Foote mine, North Carolina, USA) huréaulite (Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA); triplite, bermanite, phosphosiderite, leucophosphite.
The mineral was named to honor Dr. George Shirly Switzer (1915–), Chairman Emeritus, Department of Mineral Sciences, United States National Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA.