ANAPAITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, molybdates
    Subclass : Hydrated phosphates
    Crystal System : Triclinic
    Chemistry : Ca2Fe(PO4)2 4H2O
    Rarity : Very rare

Anapaite is a very rare iron and calcium phosphate encountered in the alteration of primary phosphates in different contexts (oolitic iron ore, pegmatites, etc...) as well as in clayey or bituminous sediments. Its name comes from its locality of discovery : the limonite mines of Zheleznyi Rog, near Anapa (Russia). It forms small tabular crystals no larger than 1 cm frequently united in rosettes, subparallel crystal encrustations and fibrous nodules, green to pale green in color. It is a sought-after mineral for collectors.

Anapatite on fossil bivalve from Kerch, Crimea, Ukraine -
© Lopatkin Ole
Anapaite from Kerch, Crimea, Ukraine
© Stephan Wolfsrie
Anapatite on fossil bivalve from Kerch, Crimea, Ukraine -
© Elmar Lackner
Anapaite from Kerch, Crimea, Ukraine
© Gianfranco Ciccolin

Anapaite in the World

The finest specimens come from Kerch, Crimea (Ukraine) and interesting geodic concretions have been discovered in the Miocene clays of Bellver de Cerdena in Catalonia (Spain). Anapaite is also known in the famous pegmatite of Palermo (New Hampshire).
 
Main photo : Anapaite from Kerch, Crimea, Ukraine - © Uwe Kolitsc

Anapaite in France

Anapaite is not reported in the French underground.

Twinning

No twin report for this mineral species. On the other hand, anapaite crystals can line the inside of fossil bivalves on the Kerch deposit (see photos).

Fakes and treatments

No fake reported for this species.


Hardness : 3,5
Density : 2.81
Fracture : Irregular
Trace : White


TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.602 to 1.649
Birefringence : 0.037
Optical character : Biaxial +
Pleochroism : Not visible
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : Hydrochloric or nitric acid

Magnetism : None
Radioactivity : None