Anapaite
Ca2Fe2+(PO4)2 • 4H2O [CNMNC approved formula]
Named for its discovery near Anapa, Russia.
| IMA status : | Valid species (Pre-IMA 1902) Grandfathered |
| CLASSIFICATION | |
| Dana (8th edition) : |
40.02.01.01 |
| (40) Hydrated Phosphates | |
| (40.02) where A++ (B++)2 (XO4) · x(H2O) | |
| (40.02.01) | |
| Nickel-Strunz (10th edition) : |
08.CH.10 |
| (08) Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates | |
| (08.C) Phosphates without Additional Anions, with H2O | |
| (08.CH) With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O < 1:1 | |
| Crystal system: | Triclinic System |
| Point group (H-M): | 1 — pinacoidal |
| Unit cell: | a = 6.45 Å, b = 6.82 Å, c = 5.90 Å, a = 101.64°, b = 104.24°, g = 70.76° |
| Crystal Habit: | Commonly in rosettes and subparallel aggregates and crusts of crystals, fibrous and in nodules, tabular to 1 cm |
| Color: | Green to pale green |
| Diaphaneity: | Transparent |
| Hardness (Mohs): | 3.5 |
| Measured Density: | 2.82 g/cm3 |
| Cleavage: | 2; {001} perfect, {010} distinct |
| Streak: | White |
| Geologic Setting: | In oolitic iron ore, and in the stems of fossil trees (Anapa, Russia); in lacustrine |
| Mineral Association: | Fairfieldite, vivianite, siderite |
| Other Properties: | Gemstone Extremely Rare. |
Origin: Kertch, UkraineSample size: overall shell 5 x 4 x 4 cm
Photo: Tom Loomis
(zoom-in of above)
Anapaite on fossil molluskOrigin: Kertch, Crimea Oblast, Ukraine
Sample size: 2.3 x 2.2 x 1.3 cm
Photo: Rob Lavinsky