Overview

Wavellite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate celebrated for its radiant, starburst crystal habit. It most often forms hemispherical to spherical aggregates of tightly packed, acicular crystals that radiate from a central point, yielding “firework” cross-sections and velvety-sparkling surfaces. Classic colors range from fresh apple- to emerald-green, with variations spanning yellow, blue-green, colorless/white, and rarely darker greens or browns. Luster shifts from silky (on fibrous hemispheres) to glassy (on open, radiating sprays), and translucency can be superb—top pieces glow with backlighting.

Its preferred settings are aluminous rocks altered by phosphate-bearing fluids: bauxite and laterite pockets, aluminous shales, or limestone/quartz veins that acted as host to secondary phosphates. Associations commonly include variscite, crandallite-group minerals, strengite, turquoise-group phosphates, kaolinite, quartz, and limonite.

Collecting appeal lies in the near-unique aesthetics: perfect, undamaged hemispheres displaying sharp radial spokes, zesty color, and strong contrast on matrix (e.g., on tan sandstone, white quartz, or dark shale) make for striking cabinet displays. Prices remain approachable for modest pieces, while deeply colored, gemmy, and undamaged Arkansas and Pennsylvania specimens on attractive matrix can command four- and even low five-figure prices at the top end.

Popularity

Wavellite has been a connoisseur favorite for generations. The Arkansas bauxite belt brought worldwide attention with vivid green, lustrous hemispheres—many now considered classics. In the UK, the type locality at High Down Quarry (Devon) secured its historical significance. Pennsylvania’s Mount Pleasant Mills quarries revitalized interest with lemon-yellow to bright green sprays, while Turkey’s Hisarcik Mine impressed with unusually rich greens and large hemispheres.

Because wavellite forms in dramatic, radiating clusters that are unmistakable in a display case, collectors often add at least one standout example to a suite of secondary phosphates or to a “textures and habits” case. Abundant thumbnails and hand specimens keep the species accessible, yet fine, unmarred hemispheres with strong color remain surprisingly scarce—supply is patchy as key localities wax and wane. The balance of affordability for smaller pieces and rarity of truly top-tier, undamaged matrix specimens underpins wavellite’s steady desirability.

Top Collecting Localities

While wavellite occurs widely, a handful of districts are recognized for producing benchmark pieces prized by collectors.

National Limestone Quarry No. 2, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania, USA

Mount Pleasant Mills is renowned for lemon-yellow to bright green wavellite in open, radiating sprays as well as compact hemispheres. The limestone-hosted occurrences yield vivid contrast—green or yellow radial stars scattered over pale matrix or lining pockets with additional phosphate species. Individual “firework” sprays can be remarkably sharp and translucent, often showing glassy tips and fine radial definition.

Collectors seek clean, isolated sprays with intact terminations, attractive composition, and strong color. Pieces with multiple colors (yellow transitioning to green) or with complementary species can be especially appealing. Availability has been episodic and typically in smaller sizes, but fine minis and small cabinets from this quarry are modern American classics.

Collector’s Guide

Evaluating Specimen Quality

• Color and translucency:

  • Rich, saturated greens are the benchmark, followed by clean yellow-green and mint tones. Blue-green or cool green from historic localities is also desirable.
  • Translucency elevates the look—hemispheres that “glow” with backlighting or display luminous edges are especially attractive.
  • Uneven or muddy color, heavy staining, or dull, chalky surfaces reduce appeal.

• Habit and form:

  • Symmetric hemispheres (“balls”) or sharply defined radiating sprays are most coveted.
  • Look for crisp radial spokes visible along edges or in broken cross-sections (natural or exposed from pocket walls); these reveal the classic starburst structure.
  • Large, well-formed domes are uncommon; a group of multi-sized domes arranged to give depth and balance often outshines a single, flat carpet.

• Luster and surface quality:

  • Fine wavellite shows a silky, velvety sheen on fibrous hemispheres; open sprays can have bright, glassy tips.
  • Avoid specimens with pervasive micro-bruises that create a frosted, dull look, especially on the crown of hemispheres.

• Matrix and composition:

  • Strong contrast (green domes on pale or dark matrix) enhances display.
  • Desirable associations include variscite, quartz, kaolinite, or complementary phosphates—provided wavellite remains the star.
  • Balanced arrangements with negative space, good relief, and a clear “front” display better than crowded, flat crusts.

• Condition:

  • Because hemispheres are fibrous and brittle (Mohs ~3.5–4), damage often appears as flattened tops, rubbed crowns, or torn fibers.
  • Prize specimens with minimal dings to the primary domes; minor contacts on edges are more forgivable.
  • Check for hidden repairs at the matrix contact line or reattached bits—disclose and price accordingly.

Detecting Repairs or Treatments

• Repairs and reattachments:

  • Matrix-mounted hemispheres may be reattached if separated during extraction. Inspect around the base for glossy glue films, straight seams, or color mismatches. A 10x loupe and low-angle light help.
  • Some plates are “assembled” from multiple pieces to improve composition; look for unnatural junctions or fabric that doesn’t align across a crack.

• Cleaning and coatings:

  • Iron oxide stains are sometimes reduced with dithionite-based agents; that’s typically acceptable but should be disclosed for sensitive matrices.
  • Avoid pieces with plastic-like sheens—possible consolidants or coatings used to harden delicate fibers. These can alter luster and are frowned upon.
  • Dyeing is rare for wavellite but watch for unnaturally uniform, overly intense greens without internal variation.

• Fakes:

  • Wholesale fakes are uncommon. Be wary of “perfect” spheres with no visible radial structure or growth texture. Genuine wavellite should show fine fibrous habit, striations, or microtopography under magnification.

Care and Storage

Wavellite is a hydrated phosphate with delicate, fibrous surfaces; treat it gently to preserve luster and fiber integrity.

• Handling:

  • Support specimens from the matrix, not by the hemispheres or sprays. Avoid touching dome crowns; skin oils can dull the sheen over time.
  • Use both hands for larger plates. Transport in padded boxes with domes facing up and protected from abrasion.

• Light and temperature:

  • Normal cabinet lighting is fine. Avoid prolonged direct sun or hot display spots—excess heat can drive dehydration, dull luster, or stress delicate fibers.
  • Keep temperature and humidity moderate and stable; avoid rapid thermal changes.

• Cleaning:

  • Dust with a soft blower or very soft brush (e.g., makeup brush). Do not scrub; fibers abrade easily.
  • If necessary, rinse gently with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap, then air-dry. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
  • Chemical cleaners: test cautiously and locally. Dithionite-based rust removers can be safe on wavellite but may affect certain matrices—always test first and rinse thoroughly.
  • Avoid acids or strong bases—these can attack matrix and sometimes the mineral surface itself.

• Storage and display:

  • Store individually, cushioned so domes can’t rub against neighboring specimens. Wavellite can be scratched by harder minerals and can itself mark softer neighbors—give it space.
  • Secure in seismic or vibration-prone areas with a tiny amount of museum putty on the matrix—not on the hemispheres.
  • Label provenance clearly; Arkansas (Mauldin Mountain), Pennsylvania (Mount Pleasant Mills), the type locality in Devon, Hisarcik (Turkey), and Panasqueira add meaningful context and value.

By focusing on vibrant color, unblemished hemispheres or sprays, and strong composition on contrasting matrix, collectors can secure wavellite specimens that punch far above their price class in display impact—beautiful, unmistakable, and quintessentially “radiant.”