Scorzalite: The mineral scorzalite: information and pictures

About

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).

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

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

Striking Features

Color and crystal habits

Environment

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

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

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

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

Scorzalite

Abouti

Crystal Forms & Aggregatesi

Striking Featuresi

Environmenti

Usesi

Noteworthy Localitiesi

Common Mineral Associationsi

Distinguishing Similar Mineralsi

Photos