The chemical formuls of mineral Kottigite is indicated by Zn3(AsO4)2 – 8(H2O) or Hydrated Zinc Arsenate. Kottigite is actually a Phosphate mineral. Kottigite is also a member of the Vivianite Group of minerals. This mineral species was named after Otto Kottig, a German chemist of Scheneeberg, Saxony. The mineral was first described in 1849 at Daniel Mine, Saxony, Germany. Kottigite is known to crystallize in the monoclinic system of crystal formation. In optical mineralogy, the monoclinic system of crystal formation comprises crystals having three axes of unequal lengths. Two of which are usually found in a position that is oblique or not perpendicular to one another. However, both of which are commonly found perpendicular to the third axis.
Kottigite is considered as a very minor ore of zinc and it is often found exhibiting interesting microscope images under an ore polarizing microscope used in optical mineralogy. Kottigite is also used as a mineral specimen and is often found showing wonderful images under petrographic polarizing microscope for geologists. Mineral Kottigite is also isostructural with other interesting minerals such as annabergite and erythrite. In optical mineralogy, isostructural means the two minerals have the same structure but they actually have different chemistries. Mineral erythrite has the nickname cobalt bloom and it has bright red-purple that is very interesting and majestically exhibited under polarizing microscopes for geologists. Mineral annabergite on the other hand has the nickname nickel bloom and it is often found exhibiting bright green color when viewed under polarized microscopes. Mineral Kottigite is too rare to have nicknames like those of mineral erythrite and annabergite. The miners looking for cobalt and nickel minerals gave the nicknames of the two minerals.
Kottigite is most commonly found brown to reddish or white and gray colors that are more splendidly exhibited under petrographic polarizing light microscopes. Kottigite is most commonly found exhibiting vitreous luster when viewed in reflected light of the polarizing microscope for geologists. Kottigite is most commonly found displaying perfect cleavage in one direction and it is more clearly visible when viewed with the aid of petrographic polarizing light microscopes used in optical mineralogy. Kottigite is usually found exhibiting uneven fracture when closely evaluated under polarized microscopes for geologists. The specific gravity measure of the mineral usually gives an approximate value of about 3.3 grams per cubic centimeters, which is considered average for translucent minerals. The hardness measure of the mineral Kottigite when it is evaluated using the Mohs scale method is usually ranging from 2.5 to 3. Kottigite is most commonly found leaving a pale brown streak when it is rubbed on a white porcelain streak plate.
Most Kottigite crystals are found transparent to translucent in appearance. The crystal habit Kottigite as described in optical mineralogy usually include flattened striated blades or radiating acicular crystals that are usually majestically exhibited under petrographic polarizing microscopes for mineralogists. But then crystal forms of mineral Kottigite are uncommon. Kottigite is more commonly found as crusts or earthy masses. Mineral Kottigite is most commonly found displaying a moderate surface relief when it is evaluated under several adjustments on the aperture diaphragm of polarizing microscope used in optical mineralogy. When mineral Kottigite is evaluated between crossed nicols of polarized light microscopes for geologists, it is commonly found showing a biaxial positive figures. The refractive index of mineral Kottigite is commonly found ranging from 1.622 to 1.671. Kottigite also exhibits a strong birefringence when viewed under polarizing microscopes. Kottigite blades are somewhat flexible. Mineral Kottigite is often found soluble in acids. There is no specific data found on the toxicity and heath dangers for mineral Kottigite. However, the specimens of mineral Kottigite should be treated with great care and use of sensible precaution is advised upon handling them. Mineral Kottigite is a non-radioactive mineral species.
Mineral Kottigite is commonly found associated with other interesting minerals such as limonite, adamite, smithsonite and other zinc minerals. The best field indicators of mineral Kottigite usually include color, crystal habit, and associations. Mineral Kottigite is a weathering product of zinc minerals just like sphalerite. Mineral Kottigite is sometimes spelled as koettigite and it is often found at Mapimi, Mexico and Schneeburg, Germany. Mineral Kottigite usually occurs at oxidized zones of arsenical ores containing zinc.
