Scorzalite

(Fe2+,Mg)Al2(OH,PO4)2IMA symbolScz[1]Strunz classification8.BB.40Crystal systemMonoclinicCrystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)Space groupP2/cUnit cella = 7.15 Å, b = 7.31 Å
c = 7.25 Å; β = 120.58°; Z = 2IdentificationColorDark blueCrystal habitGranular, massive, dipyramidal crystalsTwinningMultiple, lamellarCleavageGood on {110}, indistinct on {101}FractureUnevenMohs scale hardness6LusterVitreousStreakWhiteDiaphaneitySemitransparentSpecific gravity3.33Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)Refractive indexnα = 1.626 – 1.645 nβ = 1.654 – 1.674 nγ = 1.663 – 1.680Birefringenceδ = 0.037PleochroismVisible X = colorless; Y = Z = blue2V angleMeasured: 62°Dispersionr < v perceptibleReferences[2][3][4]

Scorzalite ((Fe2+,Mg)Al2(OH,PO4)2) is a dark blue phosphate mineral containing iron, magnesium, and aluminium phosphate. Scorzalite forms one endmember of a solid solution series with the lighter, more magnesium-rich lazulite.

Scorzalite crystallizes in the monoclinic system in a dipyramidal form. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and a specific gravity of 3.4. It is infusible and insoluble in water, and only slightly soluble in warm hydrochloric acid.

Occurrence

It was first described in 1947 for an occurrence in the granite pegmatite in the Córrego Frio mine, Linópolis, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was named for the Brazilian geologist Everisto Pena Scorza (1899–1969).[3]

It occurs as a secondary phase in pegmatites and kyanite (aluminium-rich) quartzites. Associated minerals include souzalite, triphylite, wyllieite, trolleite, apatite, lacroixite, berlinite, tourmaline, muscovite, feldspar and quartz.[2]

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. ^ a b Mindat.org
  4. ^ Webmineral data
  • Scorzalite on Minerals.net
  • Amethyst Galleries entry


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