Aheylite
A variety of Minerals
What is Aheylite?
Aheylite is a rare phosphate mineral with formula (FeZn)Al6[(OH)4|(PO4)2]2·4(H2O). It occurs as pale blue to pale green triclinic crystal masses. Aheylite was made the newest member of the turquoise group in 1984 by International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Aheylite 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.
Aheylite Localities Map
See where Aheylite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Aheylite
It is found as an isolated mass of hemispheres and spheres clumped together. It has a vitreous to dull luster. It has a hackly to splintery fracture and it has a brittle tenacity. The hardness is about 5-5.5, and the specific gravity is 2.84. As far as optical properties, it had thin flakes; ipale blue, green to blue-green color; it streaks white, and has a subvitreous luster.
Formation of Aheylite
In addition to the type locality in Bolivia it has been reported from the Bali Lo prospect in the Capricorn Range, Western Australia and the Les Montmins Mine, Auvergne, France. It is a turquoise group mineral and occurs as a late hydrothermal phase in a tin deposit associated with variscite, vivianite, wavellite, cassiterite, sphalerite, pyrite and quartz in the type locality.
Composition of Aheylite
The turquoise group has a basic formula of A0-1B6(PO4)4−x(PO3OH)x(OH)8·4H2O. This group contains five other minerals. In addition to aheylite: planerite, turquoise, faustite, chalcosiderite, and an unnamed Fe-Fe analogue. Aheylite is distinguished in this group by having Fe dominant in the A-site. The ideal aheylite has a formula of FeAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. Its color is pale blue or green. With turquoise family the blue color is said to come from the octahedral coordination of Cu in the absence of Fe.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Very pale blue, pale green, to blue-green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 5.5
- Density
- 3.26 g/cm³
- Streak
- greenish white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Fe2+,Zn)Al6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O
- Elements
- Al, Fe, H, O, P
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Aheylite FAQs
How do I identify Aheylite?
Aheylite can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Very pale blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Aheylite?
Aheylite typically appears in Very pale blue, pale green, to blue-green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Aheylite?
Aheylite has a hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of aheylite of Aheylite?
It is found as an isolated mass of hemispheres and spheres clumped together. It has a vitreous to dull luster. It has a hackly to splintery fracture and it has a brittle tenacity. The hardness is about 5-5.5, and the specific gravity is 2.84. As far as optical properties, it had thin flakes; ipale blue, green to blue-green color; it streaks white, and has a subvitreous luster.
What is the formation of aheylite of Aheylite?
In addition to the type locality in Bolivia it has been reported from the Bali Lo prospect in the Capricorn Range, Western Australia and the Les Montmins Mine, Auvergne, France. It is a turquoise group mineral and occurs as a late hydrothermal phase in a tin deposit associated with variscite, vivianite, wavellite, cassiterite, sphalerite, pyrite and quartz in the type locality.
What is the composition of aheylite of Aheylite?
The turquoise group has a basic formula of A0-1B6(PO4)4−x(PO3OH)x(OH)8·4H2O. This group contains five other minerals. In addition to aheylite: planerite, turquoise, faustite, chalcosiderite, and an unnamed Fe-Fe analogue. Aheylite is distinguished in this group by having Fe dominant in the A-site. The ideal aheylite has a formula of FeAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. Its color is pale blue or green. With turquoise family the blue color is said to come from the octahedral coordination of Cu in the absence of Fe.
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