Fluorwavellite is a rare phosphate mineral in the wavellite group, closely related to standard wavellite but distinguished by its fluorine content. It is most recognized for its distinct starburst or radial, fibrous spherical aggregates that form in secondary phosphate deposits. Collectors should look for these characteristic 'sprays' or spheres in cavities of host rocks like novaculite.
Is this fluorwavellite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch fluorwavellite with a known reference. Fluorwavellite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluorwavellite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorwavellite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: radiating spherical aggregates.
Often confused with
Fluorwavellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluorwavellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorwavellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₃(PO₄)₂(OH,F)₃·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 2.3-2.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Radiating Spherical Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins and Secondary Phosphate Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for aesthetic clusters
Where rockhounds find fluorwavellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Magnet Cove, Arkansas
- Czech Republic
- Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins and secondary phosphate deposits country — that is the host setting where fluorwavellite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, variscite, crandallite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radiating spherical aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorwavellite?+
Where is fluorwavellite found?+
How much is fluorwavellite worth?+
What rocks look like fluorwavellite?+
What minerals are found with fluorwavellite?+
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Find fluorwavellite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
