anhüdriidiks

Anhüdriidiks, often referred to as anhydrite, is a mineral composed of calcium sulfate with the chemical formula CaSO4. It is a naturally occurring form of anhydrous calcium sulfate, meaning it contains no water molecules within its crystal structure, distinguishing it from gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) which contains two water molecules. Anhüdriidiks typically crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, forming bladed or tabular crystals, though it can also occur in granular or fibrous masses. Its color is usually white, gray, or bluish-white, and it has a Mohs hardness of 3 to 3.5.

The formation of anhüdriidiks is primarily associated with arid environments where water evaporates from sulfate-rich solutions, leaving behind the mineral. It can be found in sedimentary rocks, particularly in evaporite deposits, and is often associated with halite (rock salt) and gypsum. It also occurs in some metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal veins.

Anhüdriidiks has several industrial applications. When heated, it readily absorbs water, converting back to gypsum. This property makes it useful as a desiccant for drying gases and liquids. It is also used in the production of cement, as a filler in plastics and paints, and in the manufacturing of building materials such as plaster and wallboard. In agriculture, it can be used as a soil conditioner to improve soil structure and reduce salinity. Its natural occurrence also makes it a mineralogical curiosity for collectors and geologists.