Wavellite: The mineral wavellite information and pictures

About

Wavellite is a classic radiating mineral, forming spectacular pinwheel aggregates emanating from a central core in spherulitic balls. When the balls are complete, the radial structure is internal and not usually visible. A crystal aggregate needs to be fractured to see and appreciate the outstanding radial habit of Wavellite.

Wavellite was named in 1805 after William Wavell, an English physician who first discovered this mineral.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

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

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.

Uses

Wavellite is mainly used as a collectors mineral.

Noteworthy Localities

Large and lustrous, cream to yellowish Wavellite comes from the Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Potosí Department, Bolivia. Good European localities include the Lichtenberg Mine, Ronneburg, Thuringia, Germany; the High Down Quarry, Filleigh, North Devon, England; and the Laharran Quarry, Tracton, Ireland.

The most important occurrences of this mineral are in Arkansas, with several different localities producing the most outstanding forms of Wavellite. The specific localities include Dug Hill, Avant, Garland Co.; Mauldin Mt., Montgomery Co.; Mt. Ida, Montgomery Co.; and Hot Springs, Garland Co.

Large and bright yellow and green Wavellite spheres are found in the National Limestone Quarry, Mount Pleasant Mills, Snyder Co., Pennsylvania; and a deep green form comes from Slate Mountain, El Dorado Co., California.