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. |

Sample size: overall shell 5 x 4 x 4 cm
Photo: Tom Loomis


Origin: Kertch, Crimea Oblast, Ukraine
Sample size: 2.3 x 2.2 x 1.3 cm
Photo: Rob Lavinsky