Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2018
A refinement of the crystal structure of spencerite, Zn4(PO4)2(OH)2·3H2O, was performed on a twin crystal from Salmo, British Columbia. Three-dimensional intensity data were collected by a Weissenberg apparatus. The R index was 0·098 for 335 independent observed reflections. The crystal structure previously determined is essentially confirmed. Co-ordination around Zn is both octahedral and tetrahedral. The atomic arrangement consists of complex sheets of co-ordination octahedra and tetrahedra around Zn and P atoms connected by layers of water molecules. The frequent occurrence of twinning in spencerite is explained from structural considerations.