Panethite
A variety of Minerals
What is Panethite?
Panethite (Na,Ca)2(Mg,Fe)2(PO4)2 is a rare phosphate mineral that was only found in one meteorite on Earth. It was originally found in the Dayton meteorite in Ohio. It is classified as H-M symbol (2/m) with space group of P21/n. It is amber in color. It was named in the honor of Friedrich Adolf Paneth (1887–1958), a German chemist who made many contributions toward the discovery of the origin of the universe, and especially studies of meteorites.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Panethite 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.
Panethite Localities Map
See where Panethite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Panethite
Both brianite and panethite were clear and transparent with no crystal faces; and neither present any discernible cleavage. Panethite is a biaxial negative, pale amber in its color and the estimated 2V was approximated to be 51˚. The refractive indices are α=1.567, β=1.576, γ = 1.579 all ±0.001 (Fuchs, 1967). Even though panethite lacks the lamellar structure that brianite shows, panethite shows simple twinning. The higher refractive indices along with the lamellae structure of brianite help us to distinguish these two minerals apart under the microscope. The specific gravity of panethite was between 2.90 and 3.0. Both minerals were insoluble in water. Panethite and brianite are the minerals known to have the greatest amount of sodium content in meteorites (Fuchs, 1967). Panethite was named after the then director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany, Friedrich Adolf Paneth (1887-1958).
Composition of Panethite
Using X-ray diffraction, the unit cell and the space group parameters were determined. The strongest lines of the X-ray were 5.10(6), 3.236(5), 3.007(10), 2.749, 2.710(7) (American Mineralogist, 509). But the error of the cell lengths were relatively high due to twinning and some disorder in the grains examined. Panethite has a monoclinic crystal system with a0=10.18 ±0.01Å, b0=14.90 ±0.02Å, c0=25.87 ±0.03Å and β =91.1˚, and its space group P21/n. Within the error that accompanied the microprobe analysis, the X-ray density was found to be 2.99g/ml.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Pale amber yellow
- Density
- 2.99 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Na,Ca)2(Mg,Fe2+)2(PO4)2
- Elements
- Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, O, P
Identify Panethite Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
Panethite FAQs
How do I identify Panethite?
Panethite can be identified by its Pale amber yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Panethite?
Panethite typically appears in Pale amber yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
What is the characteristics of panethite of Panethite?
Both brianite and panethite were clear and transparent with no crystal faces; and neither present any discernible cleavage. Panethite is a biaxial negative, pale amber in its color and the estimated 2V was approximated to be 51˚. The refractive indices are α=1.567, β=1.576, γ = 1.579 all ±0.001 (Fuchs, 1967). Even though panethite lacks the lamellar structure that brianite shows, panethite shows simple twinning. The higher refractive indices along with the lamellae structure of brianite help us to distinguish these two minerals apart under the microscope. The specific gravity of panethite was between 2.90 and 3.0. Both minerals were insoluble in water. Panethite and brianite are the minerals known to have the greatest amount of sodium content in meteorites (Fuchs, 1967). Panethite was named after the then director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany, Friedrich Adolf Paneth (1887-1958).
What is the composition of panethite of Panethite?
Using X-ray diffraction, the unit cell and the space group parameters were determined. The strongest lines of the X-ray were 5.10(6), 3.236(5), 3.007(10), 2.749, 2.710(7) (American Mineralogist, 509). But the error of the cell lengths were relatively high due to twinning and some disorder in the grains examined. Panethite has a monoclinic crystal system with a0=10.18 ±0.01Å, b0=14.90 ±0.02Å, c0=25.87 ±0.03Å and β =91.1˚, and its space group P21/n. Within the error that accompanied the microprobe analysis, the X-ray density was found to be 2.99g/ml.
%252FAbenakiite-(ce)-01.jpg&size=small)
