Otavite is a rare zinc carbonate mineral that is usually found in ore deposits formed by the oxidation of zinc-bearing sulfide minerals. Some synonyms for otavite include cadmium calcium carbonate, zincblende carbonate, and zinc spar. Other names for otavite that have been used in the past include cadmian magnesite, cadmium carbonate, and cadmium orthocarbonate. Otavite is often associated with other minerals such as sphalerite, smithsonite, and calcite. Its greenish-yellow to brownish-black color and transparent to translucent appearance make it a popular mineral among collectors and aficionados of rare minerals. Despite its rarity, otavite has been found in a few places around the world, including Germany, Australia, and the United States.