Ankerite is a calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese carbonate mineral of the dolomite family with formula: Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO₃)₂.

Ankerite can result from hydrothermal or direct groundwater precipitation. It can also be the result of metamorphic recrystallization of iron-rich sedimentary rocks. It is often found as a gangue mineral associated with gold and a variety of sulfide minerals in ore deposits.

Ankerite was named after Mathias J. Anker (1771-1843), an Austrian mineralogist.

References

• Mineral Galleries
• Mindat
• Webmineral