Otavite | |
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Otavite, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
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General | |
Category | Carbonate minerals |
Formula (repeating unit) |
CdCO3 |
Strunz classification | 5.AB.05 |
Crystal system | Trigonal |
Crystal class | Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m) H-M symbol: (3 2/m) |
Space group | R3c |
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.