Otavite
Otavite | |
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![]() Otavite, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia | |
General | |
Category | Carbonate minerals |
Formula (repeating unit) | CdCO3 |
IMA symbol | Ota[1] |
Strunz classification | 5.AB.05 |
Crystal system | Trigonal |
Crystal class | Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m) H-M symbol: (3 2/m) |
Space group | R3c |
Otavite is a rare cadmium carbonate mineral with the formula CdCO3. Otavite crystallizes in the trigonal system and forms encrustations and small scalenohedral crystals that have a pearly to adamantine luster. The color is white to reddish to yellow brown. Its Mohs hardness is 3.5 to 4 and the specific gravity is 5.04. Associated minerals include azurite, calcite, malachite, and smithsonite.
It was first described in 1906 from the Tsumeb district near Otavi, Namibia.
References[]
- ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85: 291–320.
- Mindat locality data
- Webmineral
- Mineral galleries Archived 2005-10-29 at the Wayback Machine
Categories:
- Cadmium minerals
- Carbonate minerals
- Calcite group
- Trigonal minerals
- Minerals in space group 167