Zirkelite

Zirkelite is an oxide mineral with formula: (Ca,Th,Ce)Zr(Ti,Nb)₂O₇. It occurs as well-formed fine sized isometric crystals. It is a black, brown or yellow mineral with a hardness of 5.5 and a specific gravity of 4.7.

Additional recommended knowledge

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Weighing the right way

Zirkelite was first discovered in Brazil in 1895. It was named for German petrographer Ferdinand Zirkel (1838-1912).

Initial discovery was from the Jacupiranga carbonatite, Sao Paulo, Brazil. It is also found in Canada, Kazakhstan, Norway, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

References

• Webmineral data
• Mindat localities
• Mineral Data Publishing