Brushite is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula CaHPO4·2H2O. Crystals of the pure compound belong to the monoclinic space group C2/c and are colorless.[2][5] It is the phosphate analogue of the arsenate pharmacolite.
Brushite | |
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General | |
Category | Phosphate mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | CaHPO4 · 2 H2O |
IMA symbol | Bsh[1] |
Strunz classification | 8.CJ.50 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Space group | Ia (no. 9) |
Unit cell | a = 6.265 Å, b = 15.19 Å, c = 5.814 Å; β = 116.47°; Z = 4 |
Identification | |
Color | Colorless to pale or ivory-yellow |
Crystal habit | Prismatic to tabular acicular crystals; typically powdery or earthy |
Cleavage | Perfect on {010} and {001} |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.5 |
Luster | Vitreous, pearly on cleavages |
Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
Specific gravity | 2.328 |
Optical properties | Biaxial (+) |
Refractive index | nα = 1.539 – 1.540 nβ = 1.544 – 1.546 nγ = 1.551 – 1.552 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.012 |
2V angle | Measured: 59 to 87° |
Solubility | Readily in HCl |
Other characteristics | Piezoelectric |
References | [2][3][4][5][6] |
Brushite was first described in 1865 for an occurrence on Aves Island, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, and named for the American mineralogist George Jarvis Brush (1831–1912).[4] It is believed to be a precursor of apatite and is found in guano-rich caves, formed by the interaction of guano with calcite and clay at a low pH. It occurs in phosphorite deposits and forms encrustations on old bones. It may result from runoff of fields which have received heavy fertilizer applications.[4] Associated minerals include tanarakite, ardealite, hydroxylapatite, variscite and gypsum.[2]
Brushite is the original precipitating material in calcium phosphate kidney stones.[7] It is also one of the minerals present in dental calculi.