astame

Astame is a rare, naturally occurring mineral with the chemical formula Na2Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4(OH)2. It was first discovered in 1973 in the Astame mine in the Kerman province of Iran. The mineral is named after the mine where it was found. Astame is a secondary mineral, formed through the oxidation of primary sulfide minerals in the presence of sulfuric acid. It typically occurs as bright yellow, prismatic crystals or granular masses. The mineral has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of approximately 3.0. Astame is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers due to its unique composition and the specific conditions under which it forms. It is not known to have any significant industrial applications.