Sasaite

sasaite

dolomite

phosphate

guano

Images

Formula: Al₆(PO₄)₅(OH)₃.36H₂O
Hydrated phosphate containing hydroxyl
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity:
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless to white
Solubility: Readily soluble in strong acids
Environments

Cave deposits

Localities

At the type locality, the West Driefontein cave, Carletonville, Western Sector, Far West Rand, West Rand District Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa, sasaite forms soft white chalky nodules, up to 2 cm in diameter, generally pure and monomineralic, in the reddish soil of the dolomite cave. Apart from nodules, it is found as an efflorescence on mud-cracks in the cave, and in a nearby pothole. It seems to be derived from the action of bat guano on clay minerals (MM 42.401-404).

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