pascaleita

Pascaleita is a rare mineral that belongs to the group of phosphates. It was first discovered in 1983 in the Pascal Mine, located in the French Pyrenees, which is also the source of its name. The mineral's chemical formula is Ca2V2+Fe3+(PO4)2(OH), indicating that it contains calcium, vanadium, iron, phosphorus, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Pascaleita typically forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of phosphate-rich deposits. It often occurs in association with other minerals such as rockbridgeite, jahnsite, and fluorapatite. The mineral is known for its distinctive dark green to black color and can form prismatic or tabular crystals, although it is more commonly found as granular or massive aggregates.

The crystal structure of pascaleita is monoclinic, and it has a Mohs hardness of approximately 4.5, making it relatively soft compared to other minerals. Its specific gravity is around 3.6, indicating that it is denser than average rock-forming minerals.

Due to its rarity and unique composition, pascaleita is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers. However, it is not widely available and is primarily found in specialized collections or institutions. The mineral's study contributes to the understanding of phosphate mineralization processes and the geochemical behavior of vanadium and iron in natural systems.