Brazilianite

Brazilianite, named for the country of Brazil, was first discovered in 1943 and was mistakenly identified as chrysoberyl. The original chemical analysis of this mineral was done by Smithsonian chemist Edward Henderson. This particular specimen was obtained from Allan Caplan in 1945. This rare mineral is sometimes cut into gemstones.

Fluorapatite with calcite

Two elongated, six-sided fluorapatite crystals grew within orange calcite and were exposed when the calcite was trimmed away.

Mimetite

Paravauxite

Paravauxite is one of the minerals called phosphates. All phosphates have the phosphate group, PO4, in their chemical composition. Many phosphates form from the chemical alteration of other minerals in the presence of oxygen.

Pyromorphite

This exceptional specimen was recovered from a famous lead mining site. Pyromorphite may also display shades of brown, red, and yellow. Many phosphates form from the chemical alteration of other minerals in the presence of oxygen.

Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite may also display shades of brown, red, and yellow. Many phosphates form from the chemical alteration of other minerals in the presence of oxygen.

Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite may also display shades of green, red, and yellow. Many phosphates form from the chemical alteration of other minerals in the presence of oxygen.

Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite may also display shades of brown, red, and green. Many phosphates form from the chemical alteration of other minerals in the presence of oxygen.

Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite may also display shades of brown, red, and yellow. Many phosphates form from the chemical alteration of other minerals in the presence of oxygen.

Scorodite

Turquoise

Turquoise in matrix. Turquoise is an hydrated copper aluminum phosphte with a chemical formula of CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8(4H2O).

Vanadinite on romanechite

Each of the red jewel-like vanadinite crystals has six sides and a flat top. The black romanechite is composed of tiny needle-shaped crystals that require a microscope to see.

Variscite

Variscite's apple green color, which comes from traces of the element chromium, makes the mineral popular for carvings and ornamental stones. The yellowish veins here contain crandallite, wardite, and other phosphate minerals.

Veszelyite

Veszelyite is one of the minerals called phosphates. All phosphates have the phosphate group, PO4, in their chemical composition. Many phosphates form from the chemical alteration of other minerals in the presence of oxygen.

Vivianite