AllMineralsRock
Anhydrite
Anhydrite is a popular mineral composed of calcium sulfate. [1]
Anhydrite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Anhydrite:- Transparency: Anhydrite can be translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, anhydrite is orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, anhydrite can be pearly or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Anhydrite streaks gray, light gray or white.
- Specific Gravity: Anhydrite's specific gravity ranges from 2.9 to 3.
Anhydrite: Background and Summary
Anhydrite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfate family of minerals. It is an evaporite mineral that is formed through the evaporation of saltwater. Anhydrite is usually found in sedimentary rocks, particularly in salt domes and salt pans. The mineral is usually colorless or white, but it can also be pale blue, yellow, or gray. It can be identified by its hardness, which ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. Anhydrite is also known for its perfect cleavage, which means that it can easily be split into thin, flat sheets.Anhydrite has several uses in various industries. In the construction industry, it is used as a building material for walls and ceilings. It is also used in the production of cement and plaster. In the oil and gas industry, anhydrite is used as a drilling fluid to prevent the collapse of boreholes. Anhydrite is also used in the production of fertilizers and as a soil conditioner. In the food industry, it is used as an anti-caking agent and as a source of calcium in food supplements.
Anhydrite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Anhydrite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | CaSO4 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium sulfate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.9, 3 |
| Streak | white, gray, light gray |
| Crystallography | orthorhombic |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: red, blue sometimes: brown less common: gray, pale, pink, rose, white, purple, violet, yellow, colorless |
| Category | sulfate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.042–0.044 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Anhydrite: FAQ
Q: Is anhydrite dangerous to handle?A: Anhydrite is not considered to be a dangerous mineral to handle. However, it should be handled with care to avoid any injuries.
Q: Can anhydrite be used as a gemstone?
A: Anhydrite is not commonly used as a gemstone because of its low hardness. However, some varieties of anhydrite, such as angelite and blue anhydrite, are used as decorative stones.
Q: Where can anhydrite be found?
A: Anhydrite can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Mexico, Germany, and Russia.
Sources
- Mindat.org. Anhydrite. https://www.mindat.org/min-240.html- Geology.com. Anhydrite. https://geology.com/minerals/anhydrite.shtml
- Britannica. Anhydrite. https://www.britannica.com/science/anhydrite
- Anhydrite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhydrite
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