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The Mineral scorzalite

Rich Scorzalite Pocket

Scorzalite is an uncommon deep-blue mineral that forms a series with Lazulite. Lazulite is the magnesium-rich end member of the series, and Scorzalite is the iron-rich end-member. Scorzalite was first identified in 1947, and is named after the Brazilian mineralogist Evaristo Penna Scorza (1899-1969).

Chemical Formula

(Fe,Mg)Al₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂

Color

Dark blue

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Properties

Streak
White

Hardness
5.5 - 6

Transparency
Transparent to opaque

Specific Gravity
3.2 - 3.3

Luster
Vitreous

Cleavage
3,1

Fracture
Uneven

Tenacity
Brittle

Crystal Habits

In groups of small bipyramidal and complex crystals. Also grainy, encrusting, massive, and in veins and rounded pods embedded in host rock.

Additional Information

Composition
Basic phosphate of iron, magnesium, and aluminum

In Group
Phosphates; True Phosphates

Striking Features
Color and crystal habits

Environment
In metamorphosed schists and as a replacement mineral in igneous pegmatite dikes.

Rock Type
Igneous, Metamorphic

Uses

As a rare collectors mineral.

Noteworthy Localities

Good examples of this mineral that were originally thought to be Lazulite but recently analyzed as Scorzalite came from the Estaño Orcko mine, Potosí, Bolivia. Other worldwide occurrences include Horrsjöberg, Värmland, Sweden; and Torre de Moncorvo, Bragança District, Portugal.

In the U.S., the finest examples of Scorzalite are from the Palermo No. 1 Mine and the Charles Davis Mine, Groton, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Other localities include the G. E. Smith Mine, Newport, Sullivan Co., New Hampshire; and the Champion Mine, Mono Co., California.

Common Mineral Associations

Quartz, Lazulite, Muscovite, Sillimanite, Kyanite, Rutile, Svanbergite

Distingushing Similar Minerals

Lazulite - Difficult to distinguish, though usually lighter in color and lower specific gravity.