Zimbabweite

Zimbabweite
Zimbabweite found at its only known locality worldwide
General
CategoryOxide minerals
Formula(Na,K)2PbAs4(Nb,Ta,Ti)4O18
IMA symbolZbb
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

Zimbabweite is a yellow brown mineral with orthorhombic crystal habit and a hardness of 5, with formula (Na,K)2PbAs4(Nb,Ta,Ti)4O18. 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.

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. 1 2 3 "Zimbabweite". Mindat.org. 30 October 2023.