Weddellite
A variety of Minerals
What is Weddellite?
Weddellite (CaC2O4·2H2O) is a mineral form of calcium oxalate named for occurrences of millimeter-sized crystals found in bottom sediments of the Weddell Sea, off Antarctica. Occasionally, weddellite partially dehydrates to whewellite, forming excellent pseudomorphs of grainy whewellite after weddellite's short tetragonal dipyramids. It was first described in 1942.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Weddellite 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.
Weddellite Localities Map
See where Weddellite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Weddellite
Weddellite occurs as authigenic crystals in sea floor mud. It also has been reported in peat bearing sediments and in calcite-bearing lacustrine sediments. It occurs with whewellite, urea, phosphammite and aphthitalite.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white, yellowish brown to brown; colourless in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4
- Density
- 1.962 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca(C2O4) · (2.5-x)H2O 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 Previously reported as CaC2O4·2H2O and CaC2O4·(2+x)H2O
- Elements
- C, Ca, H, O
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Weddellite FAQs
How do I identify Weddellite?
Weddellite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Weddellite?
Weddellite typically appears in Colourless, white, yellowish brown to brown; colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Weddellite?
Weddellite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of weddellite of Weddellite?
Weddellite occurs as authigenic crystals in sea floor mud. It also has been reported in peat bearing sediments and in calcite-bearing lacustrine sediments. It occurs with whewellite, urea, phosphammite and aphthitalite.
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