The Phosphates Class

Including the Phosphates, the Uranyl Phosphates, the Arsenates, the Antimonates and the Vanadates.



The Phosphate Class is made up of minerals with a basic chemical unit of tetrahedral (AO4) groups with a negative three (-3) charge. The A can be either Phosphorus, Arsenic, Vanadium or Antimony. The basic chemical unit can be combined with metal ions on a one to one ratio or usually in more complex combinations with other ions such as hydroxide groups (OH), uranyl groups (UO2), a halogen or even water molecules. The typical phosphate is vitreous to dull, often strongly colored, above average in density, average in hardness (4-7) and low in index of refraction unless ions such as lead are present. All other properties are variable. Many interesting and beautiful mineral specimens come from this class and although a large number of minerals are known to belong to this class, only some of the members of the Apatite Group are considered common.


Subclass: Phosphates


The Uranyl Phosphates


See also these subclasses: Arsenates, Vanadates and the Antimonates


Much information for this page provided by the Mineralogy Database.
 


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