 |
|
|
Wavellite is a classic radiating mineral, forming spectacular pinwheel aggregates emanating from a central core in spherulitic balls. When the balls are complete, the radial structure is internal and not usually visible. A crystal aggregate needs to be fractured to see and appreciate the outstanding radial habit of Wavellite. Wavellite was named in 1805 after William Wavell, an English physician who first discovered this mineral. |
|
|
Chemical Formula |
Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5(H2O) |
|
Composition |
Aluminum phosphate, sometimes with some iron and fluorine
|
| Variable Formula |
(Al,Fe)3(PO4)2(OH,F)3 · 5(H2O) |
|
Color |
Light to dark green, yellowish-green, yellow, brown, gray. Rarely white or colorless. May exhibit concentric multicolored zoning in radial cross-sections. |
|
Streak |
White |
|
Hardness |
3.5 - 4 |
|
Crystal System |
Orthorhombic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Single crystals, which are long prismatic and usually striated, are rare. Most often in radial and radiating aggregates, and in rounded, ball-shaped clusters of spherulitic masses. Also botryoidal, stalactitic, and acicular.
|
|
Transparency |
Transparent to opaque |
|
Specific Gravity |
2.3 - 2.4 |
|
Luster |
Vitreous, pearly |
|
Cleavage |
1,1;2,2 |
|
Fracture |
Uneven |
|
Tenacity |
Brittle |
|
In Group |
Phosphates; True Phosphates |
|
Striking Features |
Crystal aggregate habits and mode of occurrence. |
| Environment |
As a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of low-grade metamorphic rocks, epithermal veins, and in phosphate-rich sedimentary deposits.
|
| Rock Type |
Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
|
Popularity (1-4)
|
2 |
|
Prevalence (1-3)
|
2 |
|
Demand (1-3) |
2 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Wavellite is mainly used as a collectors mineral.
|
Large and lustrous, cream to yellowish Wavellite comes from the Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Potosí Department, Bolivia. Good European localities include the Lichtenberg Mine, Ronneburg, Thuringia, Germany; the High Down Quarry, Filleigh, North Devon, England; and the Laharran Quarry, Tracton, Ireland.
The most important occurrences of this mineral are in Arkansas, with several different localities producing the most outstanding forms of Wavellite. The specific localities include Dug Hill, Avant, Garland Co.; Mauldin Mt., Montgomery Co.; Mt. Ida, Montgomery Co.; and Hot Springs, Garland Co.
Large and bright yellow and green Wavellite spheres are found in the National Limestone Quarry, Mount Pleasant Mills, Snyder Co., Pennsylvania; and a deep green form comes from Slate Mountain, El Dorado Co., California.
|
Prehnite - Occurs in different environments, harder.
Smithsonite - Effervescent in hydrochloric acid, occurs in different environments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have a question about Wavellite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
|
|
|
|
Let us know how we can update this page
(Click for more details)
|
|
We strive for accurate content and locality information. If you feel any of the content is incorrect, or if you feel we are missing vital locality information, please fill out the form below so we can update the site. If you are requesting a locality be added, please only include significant locality occurences for the mineral.
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
