Spencerite

spencerite

hemimorphite

smithsonite

hopeite

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Formula: Zn₄(PO₄)₂(OH)₂.3H₂O
Hydrated phosphate containing hydroxyl
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.123 to 3.145 measured, 3.282 calculated
Hardness: 3
Streak: White
Colour: White, light green, colourless in transmitted light
Solubility: Readily soluble in acids
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Spencerite is a rare secondary mineral in some zinc-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Associated minerals include hemimorphite, hopeite, smithsonite and cerussite (HOM, Mindat).

spenceritespencerite Localities

At the type locality, the Hudson Bay mine, Salmo, Nelson Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada, spencerite occurs in a cave in oxidised zinc ore, associated with hopeite and hemimorphite (Mindat, Dana).

At the Kabwe mine, Central Province, Zambia, spencerite has been found associated with hemimorphite, smithsonite and hopeite (R&M 94.2.138-139).

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