Anandite | |
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General | |
Category | Mica group, phyllosilicate |
Formula (repeating unit) | (Ba,K)(Fe2+,Mg)3(Si,Al,Fe)4O10(S,OH)2 |
IMA symbol | Ana [1] |
Strunz classification | 9.EC.35 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol) |
Space group | C2/m |
Unit cell | a = 5.412(5), b = 9.434(5) c = 19.953(10) [Å]; β = 95°; Z = 2 |
Identification | |
Color | Black |
Crystal habit | Massive, prismatic crystals poorly formed produce hexagonal outline cleavage fragments |
Cleavage | Perfect on {001} |
Fracture | Flexible fragments |
Mohs scale hardness | 3 – 4 |
Luster | Vitreous |
Streak | Grey white |
Diaphaneity | Nearly opaque |
Specific gravity | 3.94 |
Optical properties | Biaxial (+) |
Refractive index | nα = 1.855 nγ = 1.880 |
Pleochroism | Y = green; Z = brown |
References | [2] [3] [4] |
Anandite is a rare phyllosilicate with formula (Ba,K)(Fe2+,Mg)3(Si,Al,Fe)4O10(S,OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system. It is black in color with a glassy luster and a near perfect cleavage. [3]
It was first described in 1967 [3] for an occurrence in the Wilagedera Prospect of the North Western Province of Sri Lanka in bands of iron ore. [2] [4] It has also been found in Big Creek in Fresno County and in Trumball Peak in Mariposa County, California as well as the Sterling Mine in New Jersey. [2] It was named for Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy (1877–1947), who was the first director of the Mineral Survey of Ceylon, Sri Lanka. [4]
Anandite is a member of the mica group of minerals. [3] Other minerals that anandite is associated with include: magnetite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite and baryte. [3]