General Information:
Chemical Formula:
H6(K,Na)3(Al,Fe+++)5(PO4)8·13(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 1,242.49 gm)
Potassium 4.72 % K
Sodium 2.78 % Na
Aluminum 9.77 % Al
Iron 2.25 % Fe
Phosphorus 19.94 % P
Hydrogen 2.60 % H
Oxygen 57.95 % O
Empirical Formula:
H6K1.5Na1.5Al4.5Fe3+0.5(PO4)8·13(H2O)
Environment:
Occurs at the contact of "terra rossa" with bat guano in the karst cave.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1976
Locality:
Grotte di Castellana, Puglia, Italy.
Name Origin:
Named for Franco Anelli, professor of geography, University of Bari, Italy, who discovered the cave in which the mineral was found.
Physical Properties:
Color:
yellowish white.
Density:
2.26
Habits:
Nodular - Tuberose forms having irregular protuberances over the surface., Pulverulent - Forms a loose, poorly-coherent powdery mass.,
Hardness:
1-2 - Between Talc and Gypsum
Streak:
white
More details...