Minrecordite, CaZn(CO3)2, is a very rare mineral belonging to the dolomite group, the member with Ca and Zn. It was discovered, associated with dioptase, in a specimen from the Tsumeb mine (Namibia), which is consequently its type locality. Its name is a tribute to The Mineralogical Record magazine, representing the collaboration between professional and amateur mineralogists.[5] In this locality it is associated primarily with dioptase, and less frequently with duftite, calcite and malachite.[6] It is a rare mineral, which has been found only in a few deposits in the world. In addition to the type locality, it appears in the Preguiça mine, in Moura, district of Beja (Portugal).[7]

Minrecordite
General
CategoryCarbonate minerals Dolomite group
Formula
(repeating unit)
CaZn(CO3)2
IMA symbolMrd[1]
Strunz classification5.AB.10
Crystal systemTrigonal
Crystal class3 Rhomboehedral
Identification
ColorWhite, colourless
Crystal habitTypically rhombohedral crystals saddle-shaped, twisted
CleavageVery good on [10-14]
Mohs scale hardness3.5–4
LusterPearly
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTranslucent
Specific gravity3.45
References[2][3][4]

References

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  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. ^ http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/minrecordite.pdf Mineral Handbook
  3. ^ https://www.mindat.org/min-2723.html Mindat
  4. ^ http://webmineral.com/data/minrecordite.shtml Webmineral
  5. ^ Garavelli, Carlo G.; Vurro, Filippo; Fioravanti, Gian Carlo (1982). "Minrecordite, a new mineral from Tsumeb". The Mineralogical Record. 13: 131–136.
  6. ^ "Minrecordite". Mindat. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  7. ^ Pimentel, R.; Nunes, R. & De Ascenção, R. (2007). "Les minéraux d'altération de plomb (Pb) et zinc (Zn) du massif de Preguiça, Moura, Portugal". Le Regne Mineral. 75: 19–26.