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, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 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
- Density
- 2.30 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Radiating spherical aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {110}, good on {101} and {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A low-temperature secondary mineral
Where rockhounds find fluorwavellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Copper stope, Silver Coin mine, Valmy, Iron Point district, Humboldt County, Nevada, and the Wood mine, 5 miles NE of Del Rio, Cocke County, Tennessee,USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A low-temperature secondary mineral. If you start seeing barite, fluorowardite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: radiating spherical aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorwavellite?+
Where is fluorwavellite found?+
What rocks look like fluorwavellite?+
What minerals are found with fluorwavellite?+
What kind of rock does fluorwavellite form in?+
What is fluorwavellite used for?+
Find fluorwavellite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
