Guide
Wavellite specimens for sale
16 for sale · $115–$3,000 USD
198 in the gallery
Wavellite is a hydrous phosphate mineral that forms as radiating, often botryoidal or acicular aggregates. It typically displays a yellow-green to green color and a vitreous to pearly lustre, with crystals arranged in fan-like or needle-like groups that can create striking textures. The mineral commonly occurs in secondary phosphate veins and nodules within alkaline rocks and pegmatites, and its well-formed radiating crystals are a hallmark of its appearance.
- Formula
- Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3 · 5H2O
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Phosphate; hydrated aluminium phosphate, wavellite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5–4
- Specific gravity
- 2.3–2.4
- Luster
- vitreous, pearly, resinous
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- colorless, white, gray, brown, yellow, green, blue, black
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- good
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- acicular, fibrous, radiating, botryoidal, stalactitic, druzy, massive
- Fluorescent: green, yellow
- Classic / historic
Buy Wavellite specimens
View all 16Where Wavellite is found
Top localities
- Avant Mine50 specimens
- Siglo Veinte Mine24 specimens
- Lime Ridge15 specimens
- Saline County12 specimens
- Mauldin Mountain8 specimens
- High Down Quarry4 specimens
- National Limestone Quarry No. 24 specimens
- Lichtenberg open cast2 specimens
- Llallagua2 specimens
- Chala mine2 specimens
Guides
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About Wavellite
Notable specimens have come from a number of classic localities, including Bolivia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with other important sources reported in Australia and Germany. These locations yield wavellite in vivid hues and intricate growth patterns, making attractive display pieces and subjects for careful crystallographic study. Collectors prize wavellite for its bright color, variety of habit, and the way it fills cavities and fractures, producing characteristic starburst or feather-like clusters that photograph well under good light.
