Anatolyite

Chemical formula: Na₆(Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe₃+)₃Al(As₅+O₄)₆

Anatolite is a rare arsenate of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum, forming small, hexagonal crystals with a vitreous luster.

## Characteristics Anatolite is a complex arsenate from the alluaudite group, occurring as very small, hexagonal (six-sided) crystals with a tabular habit. These crystals rarely exceed 0.2 mm and often form radial or disordered aggregates. It is a transparent mineral with a vitreous luster. ## Physical Properties Due to the small size of the crystals, most physical properties, such as hardness, density, or fracture, have not been precisely determined. The mineral exhibits weak, greenish-yellow fluorescence under ultraviolet light. ## Colors and Varieties Anatolite is colorless to pale green. No varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral is named in honor of Anatoliy Vasilyevich Kasatkin (born 1982), a Russian mineralogist and crystallographer from the A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum in Moscow, for his contribution to the discovery of many new minerals. Anatolite was approved as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2015 (IMA2015-036). It was discovered in volcanic exhalation products (fumaroles) at Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, Russia. ## Uses Anatolite has no industrial applications. It is of purely scientific significance and is an object of interest for specialized micromineral collectors.

Properties

Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of anatolite is possible almost exclusively by advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy or chemical analysis (EDS/WDS). Visually, at the occurrence site, it can be suspected based on its association with other rare fumarolic arsenates and the characteristic form of small, hexagonal crystals. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Anatolite is visually indistinguishable from many other colorless or pale green secondary minerals found in fumaroles, such as arseniopleite, johillerite, or badalovite. Certain differentiation requires specialized laboratory equipment. ## Crystal Forms It forms very small, tabular crystals with a hexagonal outline, usually less than 0.2 mm in diameter and up to 0.02 mm thick. These crystals occur as scattered flakes or form radial aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Anatolite is a mineral of volcanic origin, crystallizing directly from gases (exhalations) in active fumarole zones. It forms in an oxidizing environment, at temperatures of approximately 400-450°C. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other rare arsenates and sulfates formed under similar conditions. It is most commonly associated with: hematite, tenorite, aphthitalite, johillerite, eriocalcite, arsmirandite, alexite, lammerite, urusovite, arseniopleite, and svabite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality for anatolite in the world is its type locality: Arsenatnaya fumarole on the second cinder cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Fissure Eruption of Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, Russia.

Rarity

Very rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria As a micromineral, the collector's value of anatolite depends on the richness of the specimen (number of crystals on the rock matrix), their development, and aesthetic arrangement. Specimens with well-defined, isolated crystals or attractive, radial aggregates contrasting with the substrate (e.g., with hematite) are most highly valued. Association with other rare minerals from this locality is also important. ## Popular Localities The only source of anatolite specimens is its discovery site – Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka. Specimens from this locality are the only ones available on the collector's market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Anatolite specimens are extremely delicate and small. Mechanical cleaning should be avoided. If absolutely necessary, compressed air can be used from a safe distance to remove dust. The use of water or any chemicals is not recommended. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with water, acids, and other solvents, as it may undergo a chemical reaction as an arsenate. Protect from shocks, ultrasound, and high temperatures. Due to its arsenic content, avoid inhaling dust and wash hands after contact with the mineral. ## Storage Specimens should be stored exclusively in specialized micromount boxes to protect them from mechanical damage and dust. Store in a dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)