
General Information:

Chemical Formula:
Al4(PO4)3(OH)3·9(H2O)

Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 606.00 gm)
Aluminum 17.81 %
AlPhosphorus 15.33 %
P Hydrogen 3.49 %
H Oxygen 63.36 %
O 
Empirical Formula:
Al4(PO4)3(OH)3·9(H2O)

Environment:
On the dumps of a quartzite quarry.

IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1986

Locality:
Stavelot massif, Bihain, Belgium.

Name Origin:
Named for Rene Van Tassel (1916-), mineralogist of phosphate and sulfate minerals.
Physical Properties:

Cleavage:
[001] Good

Color:
pearl white.

Density:
2.3

Diaphaniety:
Transparent to Translucent

Habits:
Rosette - Bundled tabular aggregates resembling rose flower petals., ,

Hardness:
2-2.5 - Gypsum-Finger Nail

Luster:
Greasy (Oily)

Streak:
white
More details...