Wavellite
Description
A pale green color mineral composed of hydrous basic aluminum phosphate. Wavellite was named for its discoverer, William Wavell, an English physician. Significant wavellite depostis have been found in the Czech Republic (Zbiroh), France (Montebras), England (Barnstaple, Devon), Bolivia (Llallagua) and the U.S. (Florida, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Colorado). It usually occurs as crusty, globular masses in hydrothermal veins. The transparent to translucent stone can be green, yellow, white, gray or brown.
Synonyms and Related Terms
aluminum phosphate
Other Properties
Orthorhombic crystal system with rare striated prismatic crystals; more often globular or crusty. Cleavage perfect in one direction and good in one direction.
Streak = white. Luster= pearly to vitreous. Fracture = conchoidal to uneven.
| Composition | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3-5H2O |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 - 4.0 |
| Density | 2.3-2.4 |
| Refractive Index | 1.52; 1.53; 1.55 |
Additional Information
Mineralogy Database: Wavellite
Additional Images
Wavellite
Authority
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "wavellite." Encyclopdia Britannica. 13 Oct. 2004 .
- C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavellite (Accessed Sept. 20, 2005)