Sauconite

Sauconite

Sauconite

Trioctahedral (Zn2+) smectite, phyllosilicate mineral

Sauconite is a complex phyllosilicate mineral of the smectite clay group, formula Na0.3Zn3(SiAl)4O10(OH)2·4H2O. It forms soft earthy bluish white to red-brown monoclinic crystals typically massive to micaceous in habit. It has a Mohs hardness of 1 to 2 and a specific gravity of 2.45. Optically it is biaxial positive with refractive index values of nα = 1.550 – 1.580, nβ = 1.590 – 1.620 and nγ = 1.590 – 1.620.[2][4] It is found in vugs and seams in the oxidized zones of zinc and copper deposits. It occurs in association with hemimorphite, smithsonite, chrysocolla, coronadite and various iron oxides.

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It was named for the Saucon Valley in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, where it was originally discovered in 1875.[3]

References

  1. [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. [2]
    Mindat
  3. [3]
    Webmineral data
  4. [4]
    Handbook of Mineralogy
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