Swaknoite
Swaknoite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂Ca(PO₃OH)₂·H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system.
Key properties: specific gravity 1.91; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Swk, IMA status: approved, named in 1991.
Formed from bat guano and urine by reaction with cave walls.
It is found associated with Mundrabillaite, dittmarite, arcanite, dolomite.
The name comes from Suid Wes Africa Karst Navorsing Organisasie (SWAKNO), a speleological exploration organization, the members of which noted the species.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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