Yellow acicular crystals of the rare mineral kapundaite from the type locality associated to dark green-brown natrodufrenite crystals. Kapundaite has only been found in two localities worldwide. From: Toms Phosphate Quarry, Kapunda, South Australia, Australia. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Kapundaite
Kapundaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula CaNaFe³⁺₄(PO₄)₄(OH)₃·5H₂O.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3; specific gravity 2.93; Yellow streak; Silky luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Kpd, IMA status: approved, named in 2009.
Found in a phosphorite deposit that has undergone metamorphism, followed by weathering and secondary enrichment.
It is found associated with Leucophosphite, natrodufrenite, meurigite-Na.
The name refers to the town nearest to the quarry, Kapunda, which is in turn derived from the Australian Aboriginal word “cappie oonda, ” which was applied to a spring near the present town site.