Anapaite crystals in a fossilized
brachiopod shell.
CHEMISTRY - Ca2Fe(PO4)2 . 4H2O
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY - Triclinic
CRYSTAL GROWTH AND HABITS - Crystals are most commonly tabular and found grouped into rosettes or sub parallel groups. It can also form crusts and nodules or as fibrous masses.
COLOR AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES - Green to white; transparent to translucent
HARDNESS - 3.5
SPECIFIC GRAVITY - 2.81 - 2.82
LUSTER - Vitreous
STREAK - White
BREAKABILITY - Anapaite has a very good cleavage along {001} with a second distinct cleavage on {010}. It is brittle.
OCCURRENCE - Anapaite is formed through the action of groundwater in phosphoric sediments, typically in lacustrine sediments. In Anapa, Russia is is found in oolitic iron ore beds and fossilized wood.
ASSOCIATED MINERALS - Siderite, Vivianite, Fairfieldite
MINERAL NAME - For Anapa, Russia, where it was discovered.