Salts - Anhydrite

Page / - last modified by Steve Massar on 2021/09/30 15:18

Anhydrite

last modified by Steve Massar

on 2021/09/30 15:18

Table of Contents

Anhydrite is the form of gypsum without the water particles present. This means that it turns into gypsum when it comes in contact with water. Its chemical formula is CaSO4. Anhydrite originates form a sea or saline lake and forms when this water body evaporates. It can be found in the subsurface interbedded with rocks that include halite, gypsum and limestone. Hydrothermal deposits also contain anhydrite as a vein-filling material.

Characteristics

Halite is colorless, white and light shades of brown, red, grey, pink, blue and violet can be present. Its streak is white and halite has a vitreous to pearly luster. Its hardness is medium hard, a 3 to 3.5 on Mohr's scale. It can be recognized by its perfect cubic cleavage, hardness in contrary to gypsum, higher specific gravity than calcite and it has no acid reaction.

References

https://geology.com/

Bonewitz, Ronald Louis (2012). Rocks and Minerals. DK Publishing. p. 110. ISBN 978-0-7566-9042-7.

Anhydrite

Type	Salt stone
Chemical formula	CaSO4
Color	colorless with shades of color
Streak	White
Luster	Vitreous to pearly
Hardness	Medium
Cleavage	Cubic
Image	Anhydrite

Contents

Characteristics

References

Anhydrite