Mineralogy of Phosphates and Other Rare Minerals
Although phosphates and other mineral classes are rare, they still have species with important uses. Learn how to identify these minerals.
14 Minute Read
Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates, wolframates, molybdates, chromates, nitrates, and borates may contain only a few or, in some cases, only one mineral of note. In particular, nitrates and borates have seldom interested gemologists. Nevertheless, it is essential for mineralogists to understand these mineral classes.
Introduction to Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates
Phosphates, arsenates, and vanadates are mineral classes with complex anions of (PO4)3-, (AsO4)3-, and (VO4)3-, respectively. Anion complexes occur in tetrahedral coordination, meaning each atom of phosphorus, arsenic, and vanadium is surrounded by four oxygen atoms.
These three groups are usually studied together because P5+, As5+, and V5+ can substitute for each other easily. They sometimes form solid solution series, like pyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3Cl), mimetite (Pb5(AsO4)3Cl), and vanadinite (Pb5(VO4)3Cl). The main cations of these mineral classes are Fe,
…Olena Rybnikova, PhD
Olena Rybnikova is a gemologist and mineralogist. She has a PhD in mineralogy and petrology specializing in beryllium minerals and is a certified Applied Jewelry Professional accredited by the Gemological Institute of America. Her passion is actively promoting knowledge and appreciation of nature, geology, and gemstones.
Related Articles
Mineralogy of Halides, Carbonates, and Sulfites
Mineralogy of Oxides and Hydroxides
Mineralogy of Sulfides and Sulfosalts
Introduction to Native Elements
Latest Articles
Table of Refractive Indices and Double Refraction of Selected Gems
Red Gemstones: Ruby, Spinel, Garnet, and Other Great Picks for Jewelry
Jadeite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Tips for Cutting and Polishing Halite
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!