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Home Minerals Anhydrite

Anhydrite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is

Anhydrite?

Anhydrite is an evaporite mineral most commonly found in layered

sedimentary deposits in association with halite, gypsum, sulfur, calcite and

dolomite. Anhydrite (CaSO4) is very similar to gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). The

difference is that anhydrite does not include water and that is where it gets

its name - anhydrite means: "without water".

UsesAnhydrite uses include: soil conditioner; mixed with Portland cement to

control the rate of curing; manufacture of gypsum wallboard; mineral filler in

joint compounds, plastics and paints; a source of sulfur.

Color colorless, white, gray, blue, reddish

Streak white

Luster vitreous to pearly

Diaphaneity transparent to translucent

Cleavage three directions at right angles

Hardness 3 - 3.5

Specific Gravity 2.9 - 3.0

Distinguishing

Characteristicsthree cleavage directions, harder than gypsum, higher specific gravity than

calcite

Crystal System orthorhombic

Chemical

Classificationsulfate

Chemical

Compositionanhydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO4

Anhydrite Pictures

ydrite Mineral | Uses and Properties - GEOLOGY.COM http://geology.com/minerals/anhydrite.shtml

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Anhydrite from Mound House, Nevada.

Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Anhydrite from Balmat, New York.

Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

ydrite Mineral | Uses and Properties - GEOLOGY.COM http://geology.com/minerals/anhydrite.shtml

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Anhydrite from Nova Scotia, Canada.

Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

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ydrite Mineral | Uses and Properties - GEOLOGY.COM http://geology.com/minerals/anhydrite.shtml

3 01/11/2011 4:22 AM