Zimbabweite

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zimbabweite
Zimbabweite found at its only known locality worldwide
General
CategoryOxide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Na,K)2PbAs4(Nb,Ta,Ti)4O18
IMA symbolZbb[1]
Strunz classification4.JA.40
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupCcmb
Unit cella = 12.23 Å, b = 15.29 Å
c = 8.66 Å, Z = 4
Identification
ColorYellow, yellow-brown
LusterAdamantine
References[2]

Zimbabweite is a yellow brown mineral with orthorhombic crystal habit and a hardness of 5, with formula (Na,K)2PbAs4(Nb,Ta,Ti)4O18.[2] It is generally classed as an arsenite but is notable for also containing niobium and tantalum. It was discovered in 1986 in kaolinized pegmatite, i.e. weathered to clay, in Zimbabwe.[2]

References[edit]

  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 c "Zimbabweite". Mindat.org. 30 October 2023.