Cattiite
A variety of Minerals
What is Cattiite?
Cattiite is a phosphate mineral. The mineral was first found in a veins of dolomite carbonatites veins at the bottom of the Zhelezny (Iron) Mine in the Kovdor massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia. Cattiite was tentatively identified as Mg3(PO4)2•22H2O, which as a high hydrate magnesium orthophosphate. Later structural studies, revealed the existence of two polytypes named Mg3(PO4)2•22H2O-1A1 and Mg3(PO4)2•22H2O-1A2. The polytype, Mg3(PO4)2•22H2O-1A2, had both the mineral and the name of the mineral approved (2000-032) by the Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names or the (CNMMN) of the International Mineralogical Association or the (IMA). The name was approved by the CNMMN and the IMA was cattiite. The mineral cattiite was named that in the honor of the Michele Catti, Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Milano Bicocca in Italy, because of his work on the crystal chemistry of hydrated oxy-salts.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Cattiite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Cattiite Localities Map
See where Cattiite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Cattiite
Cattiite usually occurs as a mass of single crystals that are sometimes shown to be the dominant form on the {001} axis. Along the {001} axis is where the percent cleavage located at, while the uneven fractures are in other directions. Luster of cattiite is vitreous, with a gypsum-like pearly sheen that is on the perfect cleavage planes {001}. The mineral is colorless and transparent. Cattiite has a Mohs hardness of 2 and also a tenacity of being brittle. The specific gravity of cattiite is 1.65. The density of the mineral is 1.65 g/cm (measured) and 1.64 g/cm (calculated). It is non-pleochroic and bi-axial (-). The refractive index of the mineral is α = 1.459 (1), β = 1.470(1), and γ = 1.470(1). The optical orientation of cattiite is X ^ [001] = 80°, Y ^ [100] = 10°, and Z is perpendicular to [001]. The minerals also has a weak dispersion, r < v.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- colourless
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2
- Density
- 1.64 g/cm³
- Streak
- white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mg3(PO4)2 · 22H2O
- Elements
- H, Mg, O, P
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Cattiite FAQs
How do I identify Cattiite?
Cattiite can be identified by its hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Cattiite?
Cattiite typically appears in colourless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Cattiite?
Cattiite has a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the characteristics of cattiite of Cattiite?
Cattiite usually occurs as a mass of single crystals that are sometimes shown to be the dominant form on the {001} axis. Along the {001} axis is where the percent cleavage located at, while the uneven fractures are in other directions. Luster of cattiite is vitreous, with a gypsum-like pearly sheen that is on the perfect cleavage planes {001}. The mineral is colorless and transparent. Cattiite has a Mohs hardness of 2 and also a tenacity of being brittle. The specific gravity of cattiite is 1.65. The density of the mineral is 1.65 g/cm (measured) and 1.64 g/cm (calculated). It is non-pleochroic and bi-axial (-). The refractive index of the mineral is α = 1.459 (1), β = 1.470(1), and γ = 1.470(1). The optical orientation of cattiite is X ^ [001] = 80°, Y ^ [100] = 10°, and Z is perpendicular to [001]. The minerals also has a weak dispersion, r < v.
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