Information about Scorodite

Scorodite is a hydrous iron arsenate mineral that typically forms prismatic crystals and fibrous aggregates.

It often appears in emerald green, yellowish-green, or blue-green colours, though it can sometimes be colourless or pale green.

Uses and History

Scorodite has limited industrial use but is valued primarily as a collector’s mineral. It is a significant secondary ore of arsenic, sometimes processed for the extraction of arsenic in the mining industry.

However, due to its arsenic content, it is handled with caution. It is not commonly used in commercial products due to its toxicity.

Scorodite is also used in mineralogy research as a specimen of hydrous arsenates and is sought after by collectors for its distinctive green color and crystal formations.

Scorodite was originally discovered in Schwarzenberg, Germany, and named after the Greek word ‘scorodion’, meaning ‘garlicky’. Arsenic minerals often produce a garlic-like smell when heated or struck.

Early miners and mineralogists considered it a source of arsenic in arsenic-rich ores, though it became less important in industry as more efficient methods for arsenic extraction were developed.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Toxic mineral: contains arsenic

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorodite
• https://museum.wales/mineralogy-of-wales/database/?mineral=113&name=Scorodite
• https://www.mindat.org/show.php?id=3595&ld=1
• http://webmineral.com/data/Scorodite.shtml