Adelite

A variety of Minerals

Adelite specimen

What is Adelite?

The rare mineral adelite, is a calcium, magnesium, arsenate with chemical formula CaMgAsO4OH. It forms a solid solution series with the vanadium-bearing mineral gottlobite. Various transition metals substitute for magnesium and lead replaces calcium leading to a variety of similar minerals in the adelite - duftite group. Adelite forms variably colored (blue, green, yellow and grey) crystals in the orthorhombic crystal system. The form is typically massive. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 5 and a specific gravity of 3.73 to 3.79. It was first described in 1891 from Värmland, Sweden. Its name comes from the Greek word for indistinct.

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Adelite before comparing listings or appraisals.

Size & Weight

Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.

Rarity & Demand

Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.

Condition & Finish

Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.

Treatment & Provenance

Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Adelite Localities Map

See where Adelite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Colourless, white, grey, bluish grey, yellowish grey, yellow, pale green, pinkish brown, brown
Hardness (Mohs)
5
Density
3.78 g/cm³
Streak
White

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
CaMg(AsO4)(OH)
Elements
As, Ca, H, Mg, O
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Adelite FAQs

How do I identify Adelite?

Adelite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Adelite?

Adelite typically appears in Colourless, white, grey, bluish grey, yellowish grey, yellow, pale green, pinkish brown, brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Adelite?

Adelite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

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