Sauconite

Sauconite is a complex phyllosilicate mineral of the smectite clay group, formula Na_0.3Zn₃(SiAl)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·4H₂O. It forms soft earthy bluish white to red-brown monoclinic crystals typically massive to micaceous in habit. It has a Mohs hardness of 1 to 2 and a specific gravity of 2.45. Optically it is biaxial positive with refractive index values of nα = 1.550 - 1.580, nβ = 1.590 - 1.620 and nγ = 1.590 - 1.620.

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It is found in vugs and seams in the oxidized zones of zinc and copper deposits. It occurs in association with hemimorphite, smithsonite, chrysocolla, coronadite and various iron oxides.

It was named for the Saucon Valley in Pennsylvania, where it was originally discovered in 1875.

References

• Sauconite information from webmineral.com
• Mindat with location data
• Handbook of Mineralogy