Wavellite
Real mineral · uncommon · Al₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃·5H₂O
Aluminium phosphate hydroxide forming distinctive radial wheel-like aggregates visible in cross-section. Found in low-grade metamorphic and hydrothermal environments. Its spherical rosettes are among the most recognisable mineral habits.
Identity
- Formula
- Al₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃·5H₂O
- Chemical class
- phosphate
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Habits
- acicular, massive, fibrous
- Fracture
- subconchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.36 g/cm³
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous
- Colors
- yellow-green, green, white, colorless
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- sedimentary, hydrothermal
- Host rocks
- chert, slate, limonite
- Associated minerals
- limonite, Crandallite, Cacoxenite
- Geography
- USA (Arkansas), UK, Germany, Bolivia, Czech Republic
Classification
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Gem quality
- No
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