Warikahnite Locality: Tsumeb , Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: thumbnail, 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.1 cm Warikahnite A VERY RARE example of this rare arsenate known from just a handful of specimens! The piece has gemmy yellow crystals of exquisite form. Only a few specimens have turned up for sale in recent years, at any level, good or bad. Although it seems smallish, this is actually an excellent example of the species and highly aesthetic as well. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Warikahnite
A rare triclinic zinc arsenate from Tsumeb's second oxidation zone.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Warikahnite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula Zn₃(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 4.24; White streak; Vitreous luster; refractive index 1.756; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol War, IMA status: approved, named in 1978.
A rare secondary mineral produced through alteration of tennantite in an oxidized zone in a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit.
It is found associated with Tennantite, claudetite, ludlockite, cuprian adamite, stranskiite, tsumcorite.
The mineral was named to honor WAlter RIchard KAHN (1911–), Bayersoien, Germany, dealer and collector specializing in Tsumeb minerals, for his support of research into rare secondary minerals.