Anhydrite
Anhydrite is a sulfate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with notable Chinese occurrences.
About Anhydrite
Anhydrite is a sulfate mineral in the anhydrite group and has the chemical formula CaSO4. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Crystals commonly develop as tabular, prismatic, massive, granular, fibrous. Its color range is broad, including white, blue, violet, gray, pink, and colorless. The luster is vitreous to pearly, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect {010}, perfect {100}, good {001} — three perfect cleavages at 90° (cubic-like cleavage). The fracture is uneven to splintery, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
For collectors, Anhydrite is a benchmark crystalline species. Documented Chinese occurrences are recorded at Jiama Cu-polymetallic deposit and Dexing Cu-Mo-Au ore field, among others.