GL - 101 Intr.

Mineralogy

Dr. Mulugheta Tewelde

University of Zimbabwe
Department of Geology
 Phosphates
- In the phosphates, the phosphorous is surrounded by
four oxygens forming a tetrahedral arrangement to give
the complex anion (PO4)3-.

- (PO4)3- is the structural unit of the phosphates.

- Closely related to the phosphates are the rare minerals
vanadates and arsenates, which are isostructural to it.
They have (AsO4)3- and (VO4)3- as anion complexes.

- Only vanadinite is considered here (b/c most of them are

rare).
 Phosphates
Phosphates
Apatite,Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)
Pyromorphite, Pb5(PO4)3Cl
Vanadanite, Pb5(VO4)3Cl
Wavellite, Al3(OH)3(PO4)2.5H2O
 Phosphates (contd.)
- Apatite, Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH):

- is the common phosphorous baring mineral.

- Source of phosphorous, which is vital for a plant life
- Phopsphorous is the common constituent of fertilizers

Habit: hexagonal, crystals show prismatic features, also

found in granular and compact masses.

Physical properties: H = 5, G = 3.15 – 3.20. color is green

or brown but can be also yellow, violet, blue or colorless.
Luster is vitreous
 Phosphates (contd.)
- Apatite, Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH) (contd.):

Composition: previously considered as a pure

Ca5(PO4)3F, but in reality its formula is complex.

- There exists an extensive substitution of chlorine,

hydroxyl and carbonate for fluorine.

- And strontium, manganese, lanthanides, uranium and

sodium for calcium.

- These substitutions makes apatite an interesting mineral

and find its applications in many fields (such as
environmental mineralogy).
 Phosphates (contd.)
- Apatite, Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH) (contd.):

Occurence: - Apatite is widespread,

- and in some places on the seafloor, organic remains that
are rich in phosphorous form a deposit of rock phosphate.
 Phosphates (contd.)
- Pyromorphite, Pb5(PO4)3Cl:

- Vanadinite and pyromorphite are isostructural with

apatite (meaning: there is a relation of chemical
composition and crystal form)

Habit: hexagonal, found also in form of hexagonal prism,

Physical properties: H = 3.5 – 4, G = 6.5 – 7.1 (high like all

lead compounds), luster is resinous, color is mostly
green, streak is white,

Composition: when arsenic substitutes half of the

phosphorous, then the mineral is called mimetite.
 Phosphates (contd.)
- Pyromorphite, Pb5(PO4)3Cl:

Composition (contd.): - Pyromorphite fuses easily on

charcoal and the fragment is nearly spherical and sparkles
on the surface from reflection of light.  that is why the
name „pyromorphite“, a Greek word for „fire and form“.

Occurence: pyromorphite is a secondary mineral formed

in the upper oxidized portion of lead veins,
 Phosphates (contd.)
- Vanadinite, Pb5(VO4)3Cl:

- In compostion and form, it is closely related to

pyromorphite, minor ore of lead, was formerly used as a
source of vanadium,
- Vanadium is used as an alloy to harden steel.

Habit: hexagonal, it is one of the most beautiful minerals

(if crystals are clear and sharp).

Physical properties: H = 3, G = 6.7 – 7.1, color is deep red,

light brown varieties also occur.

Composition: small amounts of arsenic and phosphorous

are mostly present.
 Phosphates (contd.)
- Vanadinite, Pb5(VO4)3Cl (contd.):

Occurence: secondary mineral formed also like

pyromorphite in the upper oxidized portions of veins
containing galena,