Wavellite | Phosphate Mineral, Greenish-Yellow & Radiating Fibers | Britannica (original) (raw)

wavellite, hydrated aluminum phosphate [Al3(PO4)2(OH)3·5H2O], a common phosphate mineral that typically occurs as translucent, greenish, globular masses in crevices in aluminous metamorphic rocks, in limonite and phosphate-rock deposits, and in hydrothermal veins. Occurrences include Zbiroh, Czech Republic; Montebras, France; Barnstaple, Devon, Eng., where it was first found; Llallagua, Bolivia; and Dunnellon, Fla., U.S. For detailed physical properties, see phosphate mineral (table).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.