FormulaCa(Fe2+,Mg,Mn2+)(CO3)2
OriginGrisons (Switzerland) 
DescriptionAnkerite on quartz 
Classification (Lapis) Carbonates
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Hardness3,5-4,0
Colourbrown, yellow, white; colorless in transmitted light
Streakwhite
Luminescence 
Lustervitreous to pearly
Transparency (Opacity)translucent
Cleavageperfect
Fracturesubconchoidal
Magnetismnegative
Geological Settingformed in low-grade metamorphosed ironstones and sedimentary banded iron formations; in carbonatites; authigenic, diagenetic, or the product of hydrothermal alteration of carbonate sediments and in hydrothermal sulfide veins
Specific Gravity3,11 g/cm3