General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Ca2(Fe++,Mn)(PO4)2·2(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 361.75 gm)
Calcium 22.16 % Ca
Manganese 3.80 % Mn
Iron 11.58 % Fe
Phosphorus 17.12 % P
Hydrogen 1.11 % H
Oxygen 44.23 % O
Empirical Formula:
Ca2Fe2+0.75Mn2+0.25(PO4)2·2(H2O)
Name Origin:
Named after its locality, Messel, Germany.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[001] Good, [010] Distinct
Color:
colorless, greenish white, gray, gray white, or white.
Density:
3 - 3.16, Average = 3.08
Diaphaniety:
Transparent
Habits:
Tabular - Form dimensions are thin in one direction., Scaly - Morphology like fish scales., Radial - Crystals radiate from a center without producing stellar forms (e.g. stibnite)
Hardness:
3.5 - Copper Penny
Luster:
Vitreous - Pearly
Streak:
white
More details...