Size: 135 mm.

Weight: 506 g.

Location:  Stebnik deposit, Lviv region, Ukraine

You are purchasing the exact specimen as shown in the photographs.

General Information

ANHYDRITE – a mineral, calcium sulfate; a synonym for anhydrite rock (a rock consisting mainly of anhydrite).

PROPERTIES

Syngony: Rhombic

Composition (formula): Ca(SO4)

Color: White, blue, light lilac, grayish, reddish to dark gray and brown, sometimes colorless

Often the color is non-uniform, zonal; often has a radiation nature or is associated with mechanical impurities.

Stroke color: White, grayish-white

Transparency: Opaque, transparent, translucent

Cleavage: Perfect

Fracture: Splintery, uneven, stepped

Lust: Greasy, pearlescent, glassy

Hardness: 3-3.5

Density (specific gravity), g/cm3: 2.8-3.0 - measured; 2.95 - calculated

Fragility: Brittle

Special properties: The mineral anhydrite is slightly soluble in HCl.

Diagnostic signs

The mineral anhydrite differs from gypsum by its higher hardness and three directions of cleavage, from marbled carbonates (dolomite, calcite, magnesite) by the absence of a reaction with acid on CO2, and from other sulfates by its lower density.

Morphology

Rarely, the mineral anhydrite occurs as well-formed crystals (thick-tabular, prismatic, sometimes pseudocubic). Dense aggregates of varying granularity (sometimes columnar), radial or parallel-fibered clusters, often mechanically deformed, are common; concretions are known.

Origin

The bulk of anhydrite is formed by chemogenic-sedimentary means. Anhydrite of hydrothermal origin (vein) and metamorphic origin (lenses, veinlets, concretions in biotite schists and amphibolites; rare grains in gneisses of granite composition) are known. Individual finds of the magmatic high-temperature mineral anhydrite of both effusive and intrusive origin have been noted (Godovikov A.A., 1983, pp. 514-515). On the Earth's surface and in near-surface conditions, the mineral anhydrite attaches water (hydrates) and turns into gypsum. In the absence of removal of matter, the hydration of anhydrite is accompanied by an increase in its volume by 30%. This causes the collapse of rocks, the appearance of fracture cracks and swelling of the soil. At a depth of more than 100-150 m, anhydrite practically does not transform into gypsum, since the pressure hinders the hydration process.

Application

Anhydrite is used to produce special types of cement, as a fertilizer, and as an ornamental stone. Anhydrite stone is sometimes cut into cabochons, and transparent anhydrite crystals are even faceted (mainly for collection purposes).

Esoteric properties

It is believed that the anhydrite stone will help you find harmony with yourself and others, protect you from the evil eye and tragic accidents. The anhydrite stone is also credited with the ability to transmit the energy of the Moon.

SHIPPING AND SERVICE

We guarantee fast and reliable shipping with tracking. Additionally, we are always ready to answer all your questions and provide additional photos and information upon request.

Don't miss the unique opportunity to acquire this rare and exquisite mineral with an origin from a prestigious deposit. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need further information. Thank you for your interest!