AllMineralsRock
Wavellite
Wavellite is a popular mineral composed of aluminum phosphate. [1]
Wavellite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Wavellite:- Transparency: Wavellite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, wavellite is orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, wavellite can be pearly, resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Wavellite streaks white.
- Hardness: Wavellite's hardness ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Wavellite's specific gravity is 2.36.
Wavellite: Background and Summary
Wavellite is a mineral that is composed of hydrated aluminum phosphate. It is usually found in the form of small, rounded aggregates or crusts, and its color can range from pale green to yellow-green. Wavellite is named after William Wavell, a British physician who first described the mineral in 1805.One of the most distinctive features of wavellite is its radial or spherical crystal habit. The mineral forms in small globular aggregates that can resemble tiny green balls. It can also form crusts or coatings on other minerals. Wavellite has a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively soft and can be scratched by a knife or fingernail.
Wavellite is not a common mineral, but it can be found in a few locations around the world, including the United States, Germany, and Russia. In the US, wavellite has been found in Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia.
Wavellite has a few uses in industry, but it is primarily valued as a collector's mineral. Its unique appearance and rarity make it a popular addition to mineral collections. Some lapidaries also use wavellite to create cabochons or other decorative items.
Wavellite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Wavellite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3· 5(H2O) |
| Chemical Composition | aluminum phosphate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.36 |
| Hardness | 3.5, 4 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.52, 1.561 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, brown, yellow, white sometimes: black, colorless less common: gray, blue |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
| Category | phosphate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.026 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Wavellite: FAQ
Q: Is wavellite toxic?A: No, wavellite is not toxic. However, it is always a good idea to handle minerals with care and wash your hands after handling them.
Q: Can wavellite be used for jewelry?
A: Yes, wavellite can be used to make jewelry, but it is not a common gemstone. Its softness and relative rarity make it more of a collector's mineral than a jewelry stone.
Q: What other minerals are commonly found with wavellite?
A: Wavellite is often found in association with other phosphate minerals, such as variscite, crandallite, and strengite.
Sources
- Mindat.org: https://www.mindat.org/min-4222.html- Geology.com: https://geology.com/minerals/wavellite.shtml
- Mineralogy Database: http://www.webmineral.com/data/Wavellite.shtml
- Wavellite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavellite
Previous Mineral: acanthite Next Mineral: cinnabar