Category Carbonate minerals Strunz classification 5.AB.05 Space group R3c | Formula
(repeating unit) CdCO3 Crystal system Trigonal | |
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Crystal class Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m)
H-M symbol: (3 2/m) | ||
Otavite is a rare cadmium carbonate mineral with the formula CdCO3. Otavite crystallizes in the trigonal system and forms encrustations and small scalenohedral crystals that have a pearly to adamantine luster. The color is white to reddish to yellow brown. Its Mohs hardness is 3.5 to 4 and the specific gravity is 5.04. Associated minerals include azurite, calcite, malachite, and smithsonite.
It was first described in 1906 from the Tsumeb district near Otavi, Namibia.
References
Otavite Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA