SCORZALITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Anhydrous phosphates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : (Fe,Mg)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2
    Rarity : Rare to uncommon

Scorzalite is a secondary phosphate of granitic pegmatites, more rarely of kyanite quartzites. By replacing iron with magnesium, it forms a complete series with lazulite, to which it closely resembles. It was named in honor of Evaristo Pena Scorza, mineralogist of the National Department of Mining Production (Brazil). Clear crystals of scorzalite are rare and measure a few millimeters, it is more readily found in granular masses of decimeter size at most. Translucent or opaque mineral, its deep blue color is characteristic. It is sometimes used as a gemstone.

Main photo : Scozalite from Charles Davis Mine, New Hampshire, USA © Henry Minot

Scorzalite in the World

Scorzalite usually shares deposits with lazulite. The best specimens come from the pegmatites of Corrego Frio (Minas Gerais, Brazil), where it accompanies brazilianite, and those of Victory near Custer (South Dakota) where it builds masses of 5 cm. It is quite common in other American pegmatites of South Dakota, California and New Hampshire (Palermo). Good specimens of scorzalite are also reported from the pegmatite of Hagendorf (Germany), at Gatumba (Rwanda), and at a few other localities worldwide.

Right photo : Scorzalite from Charles Davis Mine, New Hampshire, USA © Scott Whittemore


Scorzalite in France

In France, scorodite is reported in very many occurrences, notably at Kaymar (Aveyron), Franciman (Tarn), Echassières (Allier), Rompas (Nièvre), La Verrière (Rhône), Vaulry (Haute-Vienne), Plessis (Finistère) and Ste-Marie-aux-Mines (Haut-Rhin).

Twinning

Multiple twinning is known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 6
Density : 3.33
Fracture : Irregular
Streak : White to pale blue

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.626 to 1.680
Birefringence : 0.037
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : Visible
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : Acids

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None

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