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Formula: Zn3(PO4)2.4H2O
Hydrated normal phosphate, hopeite group, triclinic
paramorph of
hopeite, which is orthorhombic
Crystal System: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 3.31 measured, 3.304 calculated
Hardness: 3½
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless; colourless in transmitted light
Environments
Parahopeite is a secondary mineral in the oxidised zone of some
zinc-bearing hydrothermal mineral deposits, associated with
hemimorphite,
tarbuttite, hopeite,
scholzite, spencerite and
pyromorphite
(HOM).
Localities
At Reaphook Hill, Martins Well, South Flinders Ranges, Flinders Ranges, South Australia, parahopeite is associated with
scholzite, chalcophanite,
gypsum and hemimorphite
(Dana).
At Hudson Bay mine, Salmo, Nelson district, British Columbia, Canada, parahopeite is associated with
hopeite, spencerite and
hemimorphite
(Dana).
At the type locality, the Kabwe Mine, Kabwe District, Central Province, Zambia, parahopeite is a rare mineral that has been
found on tarbuttite resting on limonite, and also
on limonite with a few crystals of pyromorphite
on the back of the specimen, but the most abundant occurrence of parahopeite here is as crystals on the surface of
hopeite. In some cases, the development of acicular parahopeite
on hopeite forms complete epimorphic crusts
(R&M 94.2.130-131). It is also associated with hemimorphite
(Mindat).
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