Zincochromite

Zincochromite
Zincochromite found in Russia
General
CategorySpinel group
Formula
(repeating unit)
ZnCr2O4
IMA symbolZchr[1]
Strunz classification4.BB.05
Crystal systemCubic
Crystal classHexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space groupFd3m
Unit cella = 8.32 Å; Z = 8
Identification
ColorBrownish black
Crystal habitZoned euhedral crystals with hexagonal outline
Mohs scale hardness5.8
LusterSemimetallic
StreakBrown
DiaphaneityOpaque, translucent in thin slivers
Optical propertiesIsotropic
Other characteristicsWeakly paramagnetic
References[2][3][4][5]

Zincochromite is a zinc chromium oxide mineral with the formula ZnCr2O4. It is the zinc analogue of chromite, hence the name. It was first described in 1987 as an occurrence in a uranium deposit near Lake Onega, Russia.[4] It has also been reported from Dolo Hill, New South Wales, Australia, and from the Tarkwa Mine in the Ashanti gold belt of Ghana.[2]

  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. ^ a b Mindat.org
  3. ^ Webmineral data
  4. ^ a b Handbook of Mineralogy
  5. ^ Mineralienatlas