Cheralite is an anhydrous phosphate mineral with the ideal chemical formula CaTh(PO4)2.[1][2] It is isomorphous with huttonite and monazite. It can be regarded as the product of the complete cationic substitution in the system:
2 LREE3+ ↔ Ca2+ + Th4+.
It was previously known under the name brabantite.
Physical properties:[2]
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Description | Dull or greasy |
| Colour | Grayish brown to reddish brown (on rims), pale yellow, brownish green |
| Hardness | 5 on Mohs scale |
| Density | 4.72 - 5.02 g/cm3 |