Crystal Wavelite

Chemical Formula

Al₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃ · 5(H₂O)

Composition

Aluminum phosphate, sometimes with some iron and fluorine
 

Variable Formula

(Al,Fe)₃(PO₄)₂(OH,F)₃ · 5(H₂O)

Color

Light to dark green, yellowish-green, yellow, brown, gray. Rarely white or colorless. May exhibit concentric multicolored zoning in radial cross-sections.

Streak

White

Hardness

3.5 - 4

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Crystal Forms 
and Aggregates

Single crystals, which are long prismatic and usually striated, are rare. Most often in radial and radiatingaggregates, and in rounded, ball-shaped clusters of spherulitic masses. Also botryoidal, stalactitic, and acicular.
 

Transparency

Transparent to opaque

Specific Gravity

2.3 - 2.4

Luster

Vitreous, pearly

Cleavage

1,1;2,2

Fracture

Uneven

Tenacity

Brittle

In Group

Phosphates; True Phosphates

Striking Features

Crystal aggregate habits and mode of occurrence.

Environment

As a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of low-grade metamorphic rocks, epithermal veins, and in phosphate-rich sedimentary deposits. 
 

Rock Type

Sedimentary, Metamorphic

Popularity (1-4)

2

Prevalence (1-3)

2

Demand (1-3)

2