Phaunouxite Crystals from Wechselschacht, Richelsdorf, Hesse, Germany – 1 Half Size Flat as Unique
This half size flat contains several specimens with Phaunouxite crystals from the Wechselschacht in the Richelsdorf Mountains, Hesse, Germany. The specimens predominantly show pale to whitish mineral formations on grey to brownish matrix, partly occurring as fine crystalline to extensive aggregates. Some specimens also display delicate pink areas and additional associated minerals, giving the individual pieces a varied appearance.
Geology & Origin
Phaunouxite is a rare hydrated calcium arsenate with the chemical composition Ca₃(AsO₄)₂·11H₂O. The mineral forms as a secondary mineral in arsenic-rich deposits and may occur together with other calcium arsenates such as Rauenthalite, Guérinite, Pharmacolite and Picropharmacolite. The Wechselschacht in the Richelsdorf Mountains is a well-known locality for Phaunouxite and numerous other rare arsenate minerals.
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embedded or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |