Zaïrite
A variety of Plumbogummite Group
What is Zaïrite?
Zaïrite is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula Bi(Fe,Al)3[(OH)6|(PO4)2]. The name was given from where it was locally discovered in Eta-Etu, Kivu, Congo (Zaïre) in 1975.
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Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Zaïrite
Zaïrite crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, which means it contains three equal horizontal axes with angles of 120° between them. The mineral has a trigonal-hexagonal scalenohedron shape. Zairite belongs to the uniaxial optical class. It means the light and vibrations passing through the mineral only has one direction it follows and it travels at the same speed.
Formation of Zaïrite
The mineral was first described from the Eta-Etu district, northern Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire) usually in the weathering areas of quartz wolframite deposits where it occurs with native bismuth, bismutite, quartz and mica. Zaïrite is found in granite pegmatites, which are igneous coarse-grained rocks. It has also been reported from Kreuzberg Mountain in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Green, light olive green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.42 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- BiFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)6
- Elements
- Bi, Fe, H, O, P
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