Radiating
fibrous masses of Wavellite from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
This close up view shows zoning in the radiating crystals and the stubby
terminations of the globular masses.
CHEMISTRY Al3(PO4)2(H,F)3 .5H2O
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY Orthorhombic
CRYSTAL GROWTH AND HABITS Single crystals of Wavellite are uncommon. These unusual crystals are prismatic. Normally, Wavellite forms ragial aggregates of many acicular crystals.
COLOR AND OTHER OPTICAL PROPERTIES Wavellite commonly is some shade of green with light yellow, blue or brown coloration. It is translucent.
HARDNESS 3.5 - 4
SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.36
LUSTER Vitreous to resinous or pearly
STREAK White
BREAKABILITY Wavellite has prismatic cleavage, fibrous fracture and is brittle.
OCCURRENCE Wavellite is formed by low grade metamorphic activity acting on phosphate deposits.
ASSOCIATED MINERALS Variscite, Cranallite