General Information:
Chemical Formula:
2CaSO4·(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 290.30 gm)
Calcium 27.61 % Ca
Hydrogen 0.69 % H
Sulfur 22.09 % S
Oxygen 49.60 % O
Empirical Formula:
2(Ca)2(SO4)·(H2O)
Environment:
In cavities in leucite-tephrite blocks, 1906 eruption. Dehydrates at 130 deg. C. Hydrates to gypsum in a humid atmosphere.
Locality:
Vesuvius, Italy.
Name Origin:
Named for Francesco Basani (185301916). Italian paleontologist, University of Naples, Italy.
Physical Properties:
Color:
colorless or snow white.
Density:
2.7
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to Translucent
Habits:
Microscopic Crystals - Crystals visible only with microscopes., Acicular - Occurs as needle-like crystals.,
Luster:
Earthy (Dull)
Streak:
white
More details...